CVE-2019-8583 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple memory corruption issues were addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, tvOS 12.3, watchOS 5.2.1, Safari 12.1.1, iTunes for Windows 12.9.5, iCloud for Windows 7.12. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8583 represents a critical memory corruption issue that affects multiple Apple operating systems and applications. This flaw stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms within Apple's software ecosystem, specifically impacting iOS 12.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, tvOS 12.3, watchOS 5.2.1, Safari 12.1.1, iTunes for Windows 12.9.5, and iCloud for Windows 7.12. The vulnerability manifests when processing maliciously crafted web content, creating a pathway for attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems. Such memory corruption issues typically arise from improper memory management practices that allow attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute unintended code sequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common memory safety issues classified under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption. The flaw specifically affects the web content rendering engines within Apple's applications, where insufficient validation of input data allows malicious actors to craft web pages that trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption patterns. Attackers can exploit this weakness by delivering specially crafted web content through various vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications. The vulnerability's impact extends across Apple's ecosystem due to shared components and libraries used across different platforms, making it particularly dangerous as a single exploit could potentially affect multiple devices and operating systems simultaneously.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8583 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a direct path to arbitrary code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which encompasses command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1203, which covers exploitation for client execution. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to target systems. Organizations and individuals running affected versions of Apple software face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring specialized tools or knowledge of the target system's internal structure. The widespread nature of the affected applications means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8583 center around immediate patch deployment and enhanced security monitoring. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected systems to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, including iOS 12.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, tvOS 12.3, watchOS 5.2.1, Safari 12.1.1, iTunes for Windows 12.9.5, and iCloud for Windows 7.12. Additionally, security teams should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious web traffic patterns and consider deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. The vulnerability's nature suggests that traditional security measures such as sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms may be insufficient, requiring more comprehensive defensive strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques, including disabling unnecessary browser features and employing strict content security policies to reduce the attack surface. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that all systems remain protected against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.