CVE-2019-8704 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in tvOS 13. A local user may be able to leak sensitive user information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8704 represents a critical authentication flaw within the tvOS operating system that was resolved in version 13. This issue stems from inadequate state management during authentication processes, creating a potential vector for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically affects Apple's television operating system and demonstrates how improper session handling can compromise user privacy and system security. The flaw allows a local attacker to exploit the authentication mechanism and potentially access sensitive user data that should remain protected within the system's secure boundaries.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability occurs due to insufficient state management during authentication flows, which creates opportunities for information leakage through improper session handling. The issue manifests when the system fails to properly maintain authentication state boundaries, allowing unauthorized access to user information that should be restricted to authenticated sessions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of weak session management as defined by CWE-613, where insufficient session management creates opportunities for authentication bypass or information disclosure. The flaw demonstrates how local privilege escalation can occur through manipulation of authentication state, particularly when the system does not adequately validate session integrity or maintain proper access controls throughout the authentication lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the system's ability to maintain secure authentication boundaries. A local user with access to the device could potentially exploit this flaw to gain access to sensitive user information that would normally be protected by proper authentication mechanisms. This creates significant privacy implications, as users may have their personal data, account information, or other confidential details exposed to unauthorized access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in television environments where users may store personal information, streaming service credentials, or other sensitive data that could be accessed through this authentication flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8704 primarily focus on updating to tvOS version 13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authentication state management issues. System administrators should ensure that all tvOS devices are updated to the latest available version to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unusual authentication patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation of similar authentication flaws. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause by improving state management during authentication processes, ensuring that proper session boundaries are maintained and that authentication states are properly validated throughout the user interaction lifecycle. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, specifically addressing the weakness in authentication mechanisms that could allow lateral movement or information gathering within the affected system.