CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2019-8506Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Apple Multiple Products Type Confusion

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2019-8506 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type vulnerability in iOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version iOS 12.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating iOS to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on May 4, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update iOS to iOS 12.2 or a later version.
  2. Update tvOS to tvOS 12.2 or a later version.
  3. Update watchOS to watchOS 5.2 or a later version.
  4. CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
  5. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  6. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  7. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
AppleiOSbefore iOS 12.2iOS 12.2
AppletvOSbefore tvOS 12.2tvOS 12.2
ApplewatchOSbefore watchOS 5.2watchOS 5.2
AppleSafaribefore Safari 12.1Safari 12.1
AppleiTunes for Windowsbefore iTunes 12.9.4 for WindowsiTunes 12.9.4 for Windows
AppleiCloud for Windowsbefore iCloud for Windows 7.11iCloud for Windows 7.11
AppleIcloudbefore 7.117.11
AppleItunesbefore 12.9.412.9.4
AppleIphone OSbefore 12.212.2
Red HatEnterprise Linux Desktop7.0Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux Server7.0Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux Workstation7.0Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.18.8HighCISA (ADP)
CVSS 2.09.3HighNVD

Official description

A type confusion issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2, Safari 12.1, iTunes 12.9.4 for Windows, iCloud for Windows 7.11. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.

More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  4. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in iOS

All iOS vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities

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