CVE-2019-8587 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, 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.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8587 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting multiple Apple operating systems and applications. This flaw manifests through improper memory handling mechanisms that create exploitable conditions within the affected software components. The vulnerability specifically impacts iOS 12.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, tvOS 12.3, Safari 12.1.1, iTunes for Windows 12.9.5, and iCloud for Windows 7.12, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The root cause lies in insufficient memory management protocols that fail to properly validate or sanitize memory operations when processing web content, creating potential entry points for malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when users encounter maliciously crafted web content that triggers memory corruption during normal processing operations. This type of memory corruption typically involves buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management flaws that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-122, which describes improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. Attackers can craft web pages or content that, when rendered by affected applications, causes memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8587 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access to affected devices. This vulnerability particularly affects web browsing applications like Safari and web-based services through iTunes and iCloud, making it highly relevant to enterprise and consumer environments where web content is regularly accessed. The attack surface includes any user interaction with potentially malicious web content, whether through browsing, email attachments, or web-based applications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data theft, system monitoring, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8587 primarily focus on applying the available security updates from Apple, which include iOS 12.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, tvOS 12.3, Safari 12.1.1, iTunes for Windows 12.9.5, and iCloud for Windows 7.12. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is higher. Additional defensive measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, restricting access to untrusted websites, and monitoring for suspicious network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions should be configured to detect and prevent malicious code execution attempts. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter via web shell, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and web content filtering. Security teams should also consider implementing user awareness training to reduce the risk of accidental exploitation through social engineering or phishing attacks that may deliver malicious web content.