CVE-2019-8738 in Xcode
Summary
by MITRE
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in Xcode 11.0. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8738 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple's Xcode development environment that was resolved in version 11.0. This issue stems from inadequate state management during the processing of specially crafted files, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of Xcode. The vulnerability specifically impacts developers who rely on Xcode for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS application development, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of this integrated development environment across the software development community.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under memory corruption vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-121 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The issue manifests when Xcode processes maliciously crafted files that trigger improper memory handling during the parsing or compilation phases. This improper state management allows attackers to manipulate memory regions and potentially overwrite critical program execution paths, leading to unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires that a developer open or process a specifically crafted file within Xcode, making it a targeted attack vector that leverages the trust developers place in their development tools.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to software development environments and organizational security postures. Attackers can craft malicious files that appear legitimate to developers, potentially embedding malicious code within project files, source code, or resource files that Xcode processes. The implications extend beyond individual development machines to enterprise environments where multiple developers may be working on shared projects, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise entire development pipelines. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates within a trusted development environment, making detection and prevention more challenging. According to ATT&CK framework techniques, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to gain code execution capabilities within development environments.
The recommended mitigation strategy centers on immediate upgrade to Xcode 11.0 or later versions where the memory corruption issue has been addressed through improved state management controls. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all project files and resources, particularly those received from external sources or third-party vendors. Development teams should establish secure coding practices that include regular security updates, implementation of automated code scanning tools, and establishment of secure development lifecycle protocols. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any suspicious file activity within development environments and consider implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of keeping development tools updated and maintaining comprehensive security awareness programs for development teams to recognize and report potentially malicious files.