CVE-2019-8569 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2020
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Mojave 10.14.5, Security Update 2019-003 High Sierra, Security Update 2019-003 Sierra, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, Security Update 2019-002 High Sierra, Security Update 2019-002 Sierra. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8569 represents a critical memory corruption flaw that affected multiple versions of Apple's macOS operating system including Mojave, High Sierra, and Sierra. This issue stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms within the system's kernel or core frameworks, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with system-level permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of heap-based memory corruption flaws that have been documented under CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write patterns, where improper memory management allows attackers to overwrite critical system data structures or code segments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables an attacker to craft malicious applications that can leverage the memory corruption to gain elevated privileges without user interaction. This represents a significant escalation from standard user-level applications to system-level access, allowing potential attackers to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The flaw specifically impacts the memory management subsystem of macOS, where insufficient bounds checking or improper memory deallocation routines create opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code within the kernel context. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Privilege Escalation through kernel exploits, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8569 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches across affected macOS installations. Organizations running vulnerable versions of macOS face increased risk of persistent threats that can operate undetected within the system, as the vulnerability allows for code execution with the highest system privileges. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, monitor user activities, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information from compromised systems. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple devices including MacBooks, Mac minis, and Mac Pros running the affected macOS versions, creating widespread exposure across enterprise and consumer environments. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of their threat landscape assessment, particularly in environments where macOS systems handle sensitive data or serve as critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8569 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Apple's security updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues through improved bounds checking and memory management routines. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected macOS installations to the latest security patches, including macOS Mojave 10.14.5, Security Update 2019-003 for High Sierra and Sierra, and Security Update 2019-002 for High Sierra and Sierra. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unsigned or untrusted applications, monitoring system logs for suspicious privilege escalation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation indicators. Organizations should also consider network-based detection measures that monitor for unusual outbound communications or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and implementing layered security controls to protect against kernel-level exploits that can fundamentally compromise system integrity and security posture.