CVE-2019-8674 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 13, Safari 13. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8674 represents a critical logic flaw in Apple's web browser implementation that enabled universal cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stemmed from inadequate state management within Safari's rendering engine, specifically affecting how the browser handled maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability existed across multiple platforms including iOS versions prior to 13 and Safari versions before 13, creating a persistent security risk for users who encountered compromised web pages or web applications. The flaw was classified as a logic issue by Apple, indicating that the problem arose from flawed program flow or state handling rather than a traditional buffer overflow or injection vulnerability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, specifically targeting the browser's ability to properly sanitize and validate web content. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages containing specially formatted scripts that would bypass the browser's security mechanisms. The universal aspect of this vulnerability meant that the attack could potentially work across different contexts and applications, making it particularly dangerous for users who engaged with web content from untrusted sources. The flaw was rooted in how Safari managed the state of web page elements and their interactions, allowing malicious scripts to persistently execute across different browsing contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8674 extended beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as the universal nature of the exploit meant that attackers could potentially compromise multiple web applications simultaneously. This vulnerability created a significant risk for enterprise users who might encounter malicious content in email attachments, web-based applications, or social media platforms. The attack vector was particularly insidious because it required no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by attacks. Security researchers noted that the vulnerability could be leveraged to perform actions such as stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing arbitrary code on affected systems. This type of vulnerability also aligned with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could use the XSS capability to execute malicious commands through the browser.
Apple's resolution of this vulnerability through iOS 13 and Safari 13 updates demonstrated the importance of proper state management in web browsers. The fix involved improved handling of web page states and enhanced validation of content to prevent malicious scripts from persistently executing. Organizations needed to ensure timely deployment of these updates to protect their users from potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlighted the critical importance of robust input validation and state management in web applications, serving as a reminder that even seemingly minor logic flaws can create significant security risks. Security professionals recommended implementing additional monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted web content. The fix also emphasized the need for continuous security testing and validation of web browser implementations to identify and address logic flaws before they could be exploited in the wild.