CVE-2019-8731 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
A permissions issue existed in which execute permission was incorrectly granted. This issue was addressed with improved permission validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 13. Processing a maliciously crafted file may disclose user information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8731 represents a critical permissions flaw within iOS systems that allowed unauthorized execution of code through improper access control mechanisms. This issue stems from a fundamental breakdown in the operating system's permission validation framework, where execute permissions were being incorrectly granted to processes or users who should not have possessed such privileges. The flaw existed in iOS versions prior to 13, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model and potentially escalate their privileges beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw manifests when the operating system processes a maliciously crafted file that triggers an unintended execution path, bypassing normal permission checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of privilege escalation attacks, where attackers can leverage system weaknesses to gain elevated access levels. The improper permission validation allows for unauthorized code execution that could be leveraged to access sensitive user information, making this a particularly dangerous security flaw in mobile operating systems where user data protection is paramount.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for iOS users and organizations relying on mobile device security. The ability to process malicious files and subsequently disclose user information represents a direct threat to data confidentiality and user privacy. Attackers could potentially craft files that exploit this permission flaw to access personal data, communications, or other sensitive information stored on affected devices. The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain corporate data, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it could be triggered through phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised applications.
The fix implemented in iOS 13 addresses this issue through enhanced permission validation mechanisms that properly enforce access controls and prevent unauthorized execution. This remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for information security management. Organizations should prioritize updating affected systems to iOS 13 or later versions to mitigate this risk. Additional defensive measures include implementing mobile device management solutions, deploying endpoint protection platforms, and maintaining regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in mobile ecosystems. Security teams should also consider the ATT&CK framework's perspective on privilege escalation techniques, as this vulnerability represents a specific method by which adversaries can move laterally within affected systems and access sensitive data through improper access control implementations.