CVE-2019-8762 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2020
A validation issue was addressed with improved logic. This issue is fixed in Safari 13.0.1, iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1, iCloud for Windows 10.7, tvOS 13, iCloud for Windows 7.14, iTunes 12.10.1 for Windows. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8762 represents a critical validation issue within Apple's Safari browser and related platforms that could potentially enable universal cross-site scripting attacks. This security flaw was addressed through enhanced input validation logic and represents a significant concern for web application security given the widespread use of Safari across Apple's ecosystem. The vulnerability specifically affects the processing of web content and could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts across different domains, bypassing traditional security boundaries that typically protect against cross-site scripting attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of web content within Safari's rendering engine, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code in the context of other domains. This issue falls under the CWE-1004 category of Security Weaknesses in Input Validation and represents a classic universal cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited through crafted web content. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the browser's security model by exploiting how it validates and processes web resources, potentially enabling attacks against users across different origins and domains.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8762 extends beyond traditional cross-site scripting limitations due to its universal nature, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass the same-origin policy that normally protects web applications. This vulnerability affects not just individual web applications but the fundamental security model of the browser itself, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive user data, hijack sessions, or perform actions on behalf of users across different websites. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Safari's usage across iOS, macOS, and tvOS platforms, where users may be exposed to malicious content through various attack vectors including email links, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple, including Safari 13.0.1, iOS 13.1, iPadOS 13.1, iCloud for Windows 10.7, tvOS 13, iCloud for Windows 7.14, and iTunes 12.10.1 for Windows. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive these updates promptly. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through the use of JavaScript execution, and represents a critical threat vector that requires immediate attention in enterprise security environments. Network administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and implement additional security layers including web application firewalls and content security policies to reduce the risk of successful attacks against this vulnerability.