CVE-2019-8607 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. 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 result in the disclosure of process memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that was successfully addressed through enhanced input validation mechanisms. The issue affected multiple Apple operating systems and applications, 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. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input during web content processing, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted web content could trigger memory access violations. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a classic buffer over-read vulnerability that falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within web rendering engines and content processing modules, making it particularly dangerous in browser environments where users frequently encounter untrusted web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8607 extends beyond simple memory disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive process memory information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. When users encounter maliciously crafted web content, the out-of-bounds read allows attackers to potentially extract data from adjacent memory locations, which may contain credentials, session tokens, application state information, or other sensitive data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it could enable attackers to gain insights that facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The memory disclosure aspect makes this particularly concerning for attackers seeking to bypass security controls, as process memory often contains encryption keys, authentication tokens, or other sensitive information that could be used to escalate privileges or maintain persistent access to compromised systems.
The remediation approach implemented by Apple focused on strengthening input validation mechanisms within their web processing frameworks, specifically targeting the conditions that allowed the out-of-bounds read to occur. This fix demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking and input sanitization in preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities that could lead to information disclosure. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability across all affected platforms, as the memory disclosure capabilities provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that could be used in conjunction with other exploits. The vulnerability's presence in Safari and related applications makes it particularly relevant for enterprise security teams, as web browsers remain one of the most common attack vectors in modern cyber campaigns. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust web content filtering mechanisms to prevent users from accessing maliciously crafted content that could exploit such vulnerabilities.