CVE-2019-8514 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2. An application may be able to gain elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8514 represents a logic flaw in Apple's operating systems that stems from inadequate state management within the system architecture. This issue affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, and watchOS 5.2, indicating a systemic problem that required coordinated patching across the entire ecosystem. The vulnerability allows malicious applications to potentially escalate privileges beyond their intended permissions, creating a significant security risk that could compromise the integrity of the affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper state management as classified by CWE-691, where the system fails to properly track or maintain the state of application processes and their associated privileges. This weakness creates an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks where an application can transition from a restricted user context to a more privileged system context. The flaw likely involves insufficient validation of application states or improper handling of privilege transitions that should be enforced by the operating system's security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8514 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected platforms. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability means that attackers could potentially develop exploits that work across multiple Apple devices, amplifying the potential attack surface and impact scope.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates provided by Apple, as the vulnerability affects core operating system components that are fundamental to device security. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious application behavior and privilege escalation attempts, while also ensuring that all Apple devices within their environment are kept current with security patches. The fix addresses the underlying state management issues through improved validation mechanisms and enhanced privilege enforcement controls that prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper state management in security-critical systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor logic flaws can create significant security risks that require immediate attention and remediation across all affected platforms.