CVE-2019-8629 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Mojave 10.14.5. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8629 represents a critical memory initialization flaw within the macOS operating system that was resolved in version 10.14.5. This issue stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms that could potentially allow malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with system-level access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-754, which addresses weaknesses in the design of software that can lead to improper initialization of resources, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical nature of this flaw involves improper memory allocation and initialization processes that occur during application execution within the macOS environment. When applications attempt to access memory resources, the flawed initialization mechanism could leave memory segments in an unpredictable state, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which encompasses privilege escalation through local system exploitation, where attackers leverage memory corruption or initialization flaws to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8629 extends beyond simple application crashes or unexpected behavior, as it creates a pathway for attackers to achieve system-level control. An attacker who can successfully exploit this vulnerability could potentially install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The vulnerability's severity is particularly concerning given that it allows for arbitrary code execution with system privileges, which represents the highest level of access within the macOS security model.
Organizations and users should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later versions to address this vulnerability. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all affected systems and ensure that the update is applied across all endpoints. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious system behavior or unauthorized application installations should be enhanced, as this vulnerability could potentially be exploited through social engineering attacks that trick users into installing malicious applications that leverage the memory initialization flaw. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause by improving memory handling mechanisms and ensuring proper initialization of memory segments during application execution, thereby preventing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges.