CVE-2019-8804 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An inconsistency in Wi-Fi network configuration settings was addressed. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2. An attacker in physical proximity may be able to force a user onto a malicious Wi-Fi network during device setup.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-8804 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's Wi-Fi network configuration handling during device setup processes. This issue stems from an inconsistency in how iOS and iPadOS manage wireless network connections when users are configuring their devices for the first time or after a reset. The flaw specifically manifests during the initial setup wizard where the device attempts to connect to available networks, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker positioned within physical proximity to a target device to manipulate the network selection process during setup. This attack vector operates through a combination of network sniffing and active interference techniques that exploit the device's automatic network detection mechanisms. The attacker can broadcast malicious Wi-Fi networks with spoofed SSIDs or manipulate existing network parameters to force the device into connecting to their controlled network instead of the intended legitimate network.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to user privacy and data integrity as it enables man-in-the-middle attacks during critical device configuration phases. The attack requires only physical proximity to the target device and does not necessitate advanced technical skills or sophisticated equipment beyond basic wireless network analysis tools. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in public spaces where users might be setting up their devices while connected to potentially compromised networks.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network interception as it can lead to complete device compromise during the setup process. Attackers can leverage this weakness to install malicious software, capture sensitive credentials, or redirect users to phishing networks that appear legitimate. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and represents a specific implementation flaw in Apple's network security protocols that violates the principle of least privilege during device initialization. This weakness creates an attack surface that directly conflicts with the security requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1021.003 for Windows Remote Services.
The remediation for this vulnerability required Apple to implement enhanced network validation during setup procedures and strengthen the device's network selection algorithms. The fix in iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2 addresses the core inconsistency by introducing additional verification steps that ensure network selection decisions are made with proper authentication and validation checks. Users should immediately update to the patched versions and be aware that any network connection established during setup should be verified against known legitimate networks. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect unusual network behavior during device setup processes and consider implementing additional security controls such as network access control lists and wireless intrusion detection systems to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their environments.