CVE-2019-8765 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple memory corruption issues were addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in watchOS 6.1. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8765 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting watchOS versions prior to 6.1. This flaw resides in the web content processing subsystem of Apple's wearable operating system, where improper memory handling mechanisms create opportunities for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues that are particularly dangerous due to their potential for arbitrary code execution when processing crafted web content. Such flaws typically stem from inadequate bounds checking, buffer overflows, or improper memory deallocation patterns that allow attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute malicious instructions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common CWE classifications related to memory corruption issues, specifically CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow and CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflow. The flaw manifests when watchOS processes maliciously crafted web content through its embedded web browser or web rendering engine, which is commonly used for displaying notifications, health data visualizations, and third-party applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially designed web pages or content that triggers the memory corruption when rendered or processed by the affected system. The exploitation chain typically involves manipulating memory pointers, overwriting critical data structures, or corrupting program execution flow to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8765 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected Apple Watch device. This represents a significant threat to user privacy and device security, as compromised devices can be used to access personal health data, location information, and communication records. The vulnerability affects the watchOS operating system's web rendering capabilities, which are integral to numerous applications including health monitoring, messaging services, and third-party apps that display web content. Given that Apple Watch devices often contain sensitive personal information and are frequently used in contexts where security is paramount, the potential for exploitation creates serious concerns for both individual users and enterprise deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8765 primarily focus on immediate system updates to watchOS 6.1 or later versions where Apple has implemented improved memory handling mechanisms and enhanced bounds checking. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected devices and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web content filtering solutions and restricting access to untrusted web resources on affected devices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement capabilities through compromised device networks. Additionally, defensive measures should include monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and implementing application sandboxing to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts.