CVE-2019-8768 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
"Clear History and Website Data" did not clear the history. The issue was addressed with improved data deletion. This issue is fixed in macOS Catalina 10.15. A user may be unable to delete browsing history items.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-8768 represents a critical flaw in macOS Catalina's web browser history management system where the "Clear History and Website Data" functionality failed to properly remove browsing history items from the system. This issue stems from inadequate implementation of data sanitization processes within the browser's privacy controls, creating a persistent security gap that could compromise user privacy and data integrity. The flaw specifically affects the macOS operating system's handling of user browsing data, particularly when users attempt to perform comprehensive privacy cleanup operations that should remove all traces of their web activity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper execution of data deletion routines within the browser's privacy management subsystem. When users initiate the "Clear History and Website Data" function, the system fails to completely purge historical browsing records from all relevant storage locations and indexes, leaving behind residual data that could potentially be recovered or accessed by unauthorized parties. This represents a failure in proper data sanitization practices and demonstrates inadequate input validation and data handling mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests as a partial deletion process where some data elements are removed while others remain accessible, creating a false sense of security for users who believe their browsing history has been completely eliminated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential security risks for users who rely on comprehensive browsing history deletion for protection against tracking, forensic analysis, or targeted attacks. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to reconstruct user browsing patterns and activities, particularly in scenarios where users believe their data has been fully cleared but in fact remains accessible through alternative data recovery mechanisms. This vulnerability directly affects user trust in the operating system's privacy controls and could be leveraged by threat actors to perform advanced persistent reconnaissance or targeted surveillance activities. The issue is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may need to ensure complete data sanitization before system decommissioning or when handling sensitive information.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and CWE-540, which covers inclusion of sensitive information in error messages. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves credential access through social engineering, as users may unknowingly leave sensitive browsing data accessible due to incomplete deletion processes. Organizations should implement additional monitoring and verification procedures to ensure complete data sanitization, particularly when transitioning systems or conducting forensic analysis. The fix implemented in macOS Catalina 10.15 addresses this by improving the data deletion mechanisms and ensuring proper clearing of all historical browsing records through enhanced validation and sanitization processes that properly handle all data storage locations and indexes.