CVE-2019-8702 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2021
This issue was addressed with a new entitlement. This issue is fixed in macOS Mojave 10.14.6, Security Update 2019-004 High Sierra, Security Update 2019-004 Sierra, iOS 12.4, tvOS 12.4. A local user may be able to read a persistent account identifier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8702 represents a privacy and security concern within Apple's operating systems that affects multiple platforms including macOS, iOS, and tvOS. This issue stems from insufficient protection of persistent account identifiers, which are critical system components used to maintain user identity across different sessions and applications. The flaw allows local users to potentially access sensitive account information that should remain protected within the system's security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running versions prior to the mentioned security updates, creating a persistent risk for users who have not applied the necessary patches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where a local attacker with access to a system can extract account identifiers that are typically protected by the operating system's security model. This type of flaw can be categorized as a weakness in access control mechanisms, aligning with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues. The vulnerability manifests when a local user can read persistent account identifiers that should normally be restricted to authorized system processes or administrative functions. These identifiers often contain sensitive information about user accounts and can be leveraged to gain additional insights into the system's configuration and user base.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8702 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as persistent account identifiers can serve as building blocks for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially use the exposed account information to perform targeted attacks, conduct reconnaissance, or establish persistent access to systems. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of Apple's operating systems by allowing unauthorized access to account identifiers that are typically protected through proper access control mechanisms. This issue is particularly concerning in environments where multiple users share systems or where systems contain sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or external attack vectors, making it a significant concern for local privilege escalation scenarios.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through targeted security updates released for macOS Mojave 10.14.6, Security Update 2019-004 for High Sierra, Security Update 2019-004 for Sierra, iOS 12.4, and tvOS 12.4. The fix implemented involves strengthening the access controls around persistent account identifiers, ensuring that these sensitive system components are properly protected from unauthorized local access. Organizations and users should prioritize applying these security updates to mitigate the risk of potential exploitation. The remediation process involves updating to the latest supported versions of Apple's operating systems, which include enhanced protections for account identifiers and improved access control mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all endpoints are properly patched. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes access control validation and privilege separation testing.
The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, specifically addressing the use of local accounts and access control bypass mechanisms. Organizations should implement security awareness training to help users understand the importance of keeping systems updated and the potential risks associated with running unpatched software. The remediation process should include verifying that the security updates have been properly installed and that the affected systems are no longer vulnerable to this type of information disclosure attack. Regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other system components and that access control mechanisms are functioning as intended.