CVE-2019-8814 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple memory corruption issues were addressed with improved memory handling. 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, iCloud for Windows 7.15. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8814 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting multiple Apple operating systems and applications. This flaw resides in the fundamental memory management mechanisms of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and Safari, as well as in various iCloud and iTunes implementations for Windows. The vulnerability stems from inadequate memory handling practices that fail to properly validate or sanitize memory operations during web content processing. According to industry standards categorized under CWE-122, this vulnerability manifests as improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft specifically designed web content that, when processed by affected systems, triggers memory corruption conditions. This occurs through improper memory management during web rendering and content parsing operations, where insufficient bounds checking or memory validation permits unauthorized memory access patterns. The flaw operates at the intersection of web rendering engines and system memory management, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully constructed malicious content. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003, which involves the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code, and T1068, which focuses on exploit development through local privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8814 extends across multiple attack vectors and platforms, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and individual users alike. When exploited, the vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain full control over affected systems. This includes the potential for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects not only mobile platforms but also desktop applications, creating a wide attack surface that spans across Apple's ecosystem. Organizations using affected versions of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Safari, and Windows applications face significant risk of compromise, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8814 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security updates, including iOS 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, tvOS 13.2, Safari 13.0.3, iTunes for Windows 12.10.2, iCloud for Windows 11.0, and iCloud for Windows 7.15. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected platforms and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, restricting access to untrusted websites, and deploying network monitoring tools to detect suspicious traffic patterns. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-122 emphasizes the importance of proper memory management practices, while its potential for arbitrary code execution aligns with ATT&CK techniques requiring defensive measures such as application whitelisting and runtime protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to reduce the risk of users inadvertently accessing malicious content that could exploit this vulnerability.