CVE-2019-8773 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2020
Multiple memory corruption issues were addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in Safari 13.0.1, iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1, iCloud for Windows 10.7, iCloud for Windows 7.14, tvOS 13, watchOS 6, iTunes 12.10.1 for Windows. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8773 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Apple's ecosystem across multiple platforms including Safari web browser, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and various iCloud implementations. This flaw demonstrates the inherent complexity of modern web browser security where memory handling errors can create pathways for sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability resides in how Apple's software processes web content, specifically when encountering maliciously crafted web pages that trigger improper memory management behaviors.
Memory corruption vulnerabilities of this nature typically stem from inadequate bounds checking, use-after-free conditions, or buffer overflow scenarios that occur during web content rendering. The technical implementation likely involves the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components that fail to properly validate input data when processing complex web elements such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code. These issues are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, making them highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8773 extends far beyond typical browser vulnerabilities due to the widespread adoption of Apple's ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems simply by convincing victims to visit compromised websites or open malicious web content. The exploitability of such memory corruption issues aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through memory corruption vulnerabilities. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious web content during routine browsing activities.
The remediation efforts required for this vulnerability demonstrate Apple's comprehensive approach to security patching across their entire product portfolio. The fixes were implemented in multiple versions including Safari 13.0.1, iOS 13.1, and corresponding updates for tvOS, watchOS, and iCloud implementations. This multi-platform approach reflects the interconnected nature of Apple's ecosystem where vulnerabilities in one component can potentially affect others through shared codebases or common libraries. The vulnerability addresses memory handling improvements that directly relate to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how memory safety issues can persist in complex software systems despite extensive testing and code review processes. The fact that these issues required multiple platform-specific patches indicates the depth of integration between Apple's browser engine and operating system components. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the available patches across all affected Apple platforms, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the potential for zero-day exploitation of similar memory corruption flaws in other software products.