CVE-2019-8787 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2, macOS Catalina 10.15.1, tvOS 13.2, watchOS 6.1. A remote attacker may be able to leak memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8787 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially allowing unauthorized data disclosure. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the boundaries of data processing operations. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and potential system compromise. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in memory management and input handling protocols that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows a remote attacker to manipulate input data in such a way that when the affected system processes this data, it reads memory locations that extend beyond the intended buffer limits. This memory leakage can expose confidential information including system variables, application data, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive parameters stored in adjacent memory regions. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The affected systems process data through protocols or services that do not adequately validate input boundaries, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can craft specific inputs to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1005 for Data from Local System, as it enables unauthorized access to system memory contents.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8787 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as leaked memory contents could potentially reveal system architecture details, application state information, or even credentials that might facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability affects Apple's ecosystem broadly, encompassing mobile devices, desktop computers, and smart TVs, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Apple products for their computing infrastructure. Security researchers have noted that such memory corruption vulnerabilities often serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated attacks, where the leaked information can be used to bypass security controls or exploit other weaknesses in the system. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence. Organizations must consider the potential for cascading effects where this information disclosure could enable more advanced persistent threats or facilitate privilege escalation attacks against the affected systems.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through comprehensive input validation improvements in their system updates, specifically releasing fixes for iOS 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, macOS Catalina 10.15.1, tvOS 13.2, and watchOS 6.1. The mitigation strategy involves strengthening boundary checks and implementing more robust data validation mechanisms throughout the affected code paths. Security administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected Apple devices within their environments. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider additional defensive measures such as network segmentation and access controls. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in preventing memory corruption attacks and highlights the need for continuous security assessments of system components. Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management processes should include verification of system updates to ensure complete protection against similar issues that may arise in the future.