CVE-2019-8579 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2020
An input validation issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Mojave 10.14.4, Security Update 2019-002 High Sierra, Security Update 2019-002 Sierra. An application may be able to gain elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8579 represents a critical input validation flaw that existed within Apple's macOS operating system across multiple versions including Mojave 10.14.4 and the corresponding security updates for High Sierra and Sierra. This issue stems from inadequate memory handling practices during input processing, creating potential pathways for malicious applications to exploit system weaknesses and escalate their privileges beyond normal operational boundaries. The flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with insufficient validation of user-supplied data within system-level processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when input validation fails to properly constrain memory access patterns. When applications process unvalidated input data, they may inadvertently access memory locations outside their allocated bounds, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate system resources or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The memory handling improvements implemented in the security patches address this by enforcing stricter input validation protocols and implementing more robust buffer management techniques that prevent unauthorized memory access patterns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for macOS environments as it enables a malicious application to potentially bypass standard privilege controls that normally prevent unauthorized system access. Attackers could exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative or system-level access, which would allow them to modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, or access sensitive data without proper authorization. The impact extends beyond individual user accounts to potentially compromise entire organizational networks where macOS systems are deployed.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2019-8579 involves applying the respective security updates released by Apple for each affected operating system version. These patches implement enhanced memory management protocols and improved input validation mechanisms that prevent the exploitation of boundary conditions during data processing. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected macOS systems and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure complete remediation. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to recover from any successful attacks that may occur before full patch deployment.