CVE-2019-8552 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8552 represents a memory initialization flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 12.1 and earlier versions, macOS Mojave 10.14.3 and earlier, tvOS 12.1 and earlier, and watchOS 5.1 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate memory handling during the initialization process, creating potential security risks for affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it could be exploited by malicious applications to achieve privilege escalation, potentially allowing unauthorized access to system resources and capabilities that should otherwise be restricted to legitimate users or system processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper initialization of resources, which is classified as CWE-459 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This weakness occurs when a system fails to properly initialize memory or other resources before use, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by attackers. The flaw specifically manifests in how the operating system handles memory allocation during application initialization, potentially leaving memory segments in an inconsistent state that malicious code can manipulate. This memory initialization issue creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks, where an application with limited user privileges could potentially gain elevated system-level access through exploitation of the uninitialized memory segments.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8552 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a potential vector for sophisticated attacks that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors within the operating system. The privilege escalation capability means that even if a user or application initially operates with standard permissions, the vulnerability could allow them to gain administrative privileges, effectively undermining the security model of the operating systems. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users interact with potentially compromised applications, as it could enable attackers to move laterally across networks and access critical infrastructure components.
The fix for CVE-2019-8552 was implemented through improved memory handling mechanisms in the respective operating system updates. Apple addressed this issue by enhancing the memory initialization routines to ensure proper allocation and management of memory segments during application startup processes. The mitigation strategy involves strengthening the memory management subsystem to prevent the conditions that previously allowed malicious applications to exploit uninitialized memory. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation categories, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with elevated privileges. Organizations should prioritize applying the security updates to all affected systems, as the vulnerability could be actively exploited in the wild, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently install malicious applications or where legacy systems remain operational without proper patching protocols.