CVE-2019-8813 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2, tvOS 13.2, Safari 13.0.3, iTunes for Windows 12.10.2, iCloud for Windows 11.0. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8813 represents a logic flaw in Apple's web processing architecture that stems from inadequate state management within their browser and web framework implementations. This issue specifically affects iOS versions prior to 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, tvOS 13.2, Safari 13.0.3, iTunes for Windows 12.10.2, and iCloud for Windows 11.0, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The root cause lies in how the affected systems handle state transitions when processing web content, particularly when encountering crafted payloads that manipulate the browser's internal state management mechanisms. This weakness allows attackers to exploit the inconsistent handling of web content states, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through universal cross-site scripting attacks that leverage the flawed state management to bypass security boundaries within the browser environment. When users encounter maliciously crafted web content, the system's improper handling of state transitions creates opportunities for attackers to inject arbitrary code that can execute across different domains and contexts. This universal nature of the XSS vulnerability means that the attack can potentially affect multiple web applications and services that share the same browser context, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may access multiple applications through a single browser instance. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and specifically relates to CWE-252, which deals with improper handling of state information.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8813 extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it enables attackers to perform more sophisticated attacks that can compromise user privacy and system integrity. Organizations using affected Apple products face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential data exfiltration, and the ability to manipulate web-based applications that users trust. The vulnerability's presence in both mobile and desktop platforms means that attack surfaces are broadened, affecting users across multiple device types and operating systems. Security professionals must consider that this vulnerability could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats where attackers establish footholds in user environments and maintain access over extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8813 primarily focus on immediate system updates to versions that address the state management flaws. Organizations should prioritize deployment of iOS 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, tvOS 13.2, Safari 13.0.3, iTunes for Windows 12.10.2, and iCloud for Windows 11.0 updates across all affected devices. Additionally, network administrators should implement web content filtering solutions and browser hardening measures to reduce the risk of exploitation. The implementation of Content Security Policies and regular security assessments can help identify and remediate similar state management issues that may exist in other applications. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to help identify potentially malicious web content and maintain regular patch management processes to address future vulnerabilities in similar architectural components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1211, which covers exploitation for defense evasion, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response capabilities to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.