CVE-2019-8641 in macOS
Prediction
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
A vulnerability has been found in Apple macOS. This affects an unknown function of the component Foundation. Such manipulation leads to out-of-bounds read. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. A patch should be applied to remediate this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8641 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 12.4, macOS Mojave 10.14.6, tvOS 12.4, and watchOS 5.3. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient input validation leading to buffer overflows or underflows. The flaw occurs when applications fail to properly validate input data, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns that can result in unauthorized code execution or application crashes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within Apple's system frameworks that process user input or network data. When an application receives malformed input, the lack of proper validation allows memory access beyond allocated buffers, potentially leading to information disclosure, application termination, or more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution. This issue particularly affects systems where network services or input processing components handle untrusted data without proper sanitization mechanisms. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can trigger this vulnerability through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the target device.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8641 extends beyond simple application instability to encompass potential full system compromise. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, system file manipulation, or even persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's classification as remote attackable means that threat actors can exploit it through network connections without needing to be in close proximity to the target device. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network connectivity is prevalent.
Security professionals should prioritize patching systems running affected versions of Apple's operating systems to mitigate this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the patched versions of iOS 12.4, macOS Mojave 10.14.6, tvOS 12.4, and watchOS 5.3, which contain the necessary input validation improvements. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been fully addressed without introducing compatibility issues with existing applications. Additionally, security teams should review their incident response procedures to prepare for potential exploitation attempts and maintain awareness of related threats in the cybersecurity landscape.