CVE-2019-8624 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in watchOS 5.3. A remote attacker may be able to leak memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8624 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Apple's watchOS operating system that was addressed through enhanced input validation measures. This issue specifically affected versions prior to watchOS 5.3 and exposed devices to potential memory leakage risks that could be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input data processing within the system's memory management functions, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this flaw places it within the realm of CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when an application fails to properly validate array indices or string lengths before accessing memory regions, allowing attackers to read data from adjacent memory locations that may contain sensitive information such as encryption keys, user credentials, or system configuration details. The remote exploitation aspect indicates that attackers could potentially trigger this condition without physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users of Apple Watch devices, as it could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from device memory through network-based attacks. The memory leakage could potentially expose confidential data that should remain protected within the device's secure enclaves or memory spaces. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which involves data from local system sources, and could facilitate further exploitation attempts by providing attackers with additional information to craft more sophisticated attacks against the device or its associated ecosystem.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-8624 involves prompt deployment of watchOS 5.3 updates, which implemented proper input validation mechanisms to prevent the out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators and users should ensure all Apple Watch devices are updated to the latest available firmware versions to protect against this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive patch management processes to address similar vulnerabilities in other mobile platforms. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing memory safety issues through improved bounds checking and input validation, which aligns with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow and out-of-bounds read conditions.