CVE-2019-8511 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, watchOS 5.2. A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2023
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8511 represents a critical memory handling flaw that existed in Apple's operating systems prior to specific security updates. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The issue affected iOS versions before 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, and watchOS 5.2, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem of devices. The vulnerability's nature suggests it could be exploited through malicious applications that manipulate memory allocation patterns to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow enables a malicious application to achieve privilege escalation, a critical security concern that allows ordinary user applications to gain elevated system privileges. This privilege escalation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of system vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges. The memory handling improvements implemented by Apple in their security updates address the root cause by enforcing stricter bounds checking and memory allocation protocols that prevent unauthorized memory overwrites. The fix likely involved modifications to kernel memory management routines and application sandboxing mechanisms that control memory access patterns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of affected Apple devices as it creates a pathway for malicious applications to bypass normal security restrictions. The privilege escalation capability means that attackers could potentially access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, or even install persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device security to enterprise environments where Apple devices are commonly used, as compromised devices could serve as entry points for broader network attacks. Organizations relying on Apple devices for business operations would face increased risk of data breaches and system compromise.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-8511 centers on immediate deployment of Apple's security updates including iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, and watchOS 5.2 releases. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected devices in their inventory and verify the successful installation of updates through device management systems. Additional protective measures include implementing mobile device management policies that prevent installation of untrusted applications, enabling automatic security updates where possible, and monitoring for suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing memory safety issues through proactive security improvements that align with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow exploits.