CVE-2019-8578 – CVE-2019-8578 is a use-after-free vulnerability... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2019-8578?

CVE-2019-8578 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). CVE-2019-8578 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple AirPort Base Station firmware that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This affects AirPort Base Station users with vulnerable firmware versions. Successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2019-8578 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple AirPort Base Station firmware that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This affects AirPort Base Station users with vulnerable firmware versions. Successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Apple AirPort Base Station

Versions: Firmware versions prior to 7.8.1 and 7.9.1

Operating Systems: AirPort Base Station firmware

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All AirPort Base Stations with vulnerable firmware are affected regardless of configuration.

📦 What is this software?

Airport Base Station Firmware by Apple

View all CVEs affecting Airport Base Station Firmware →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote attacker gains full control of AirPort Base Station, enabling network traffic interception, device bricking, or lateral movement to connected devices.

🟠

Likely Case

Attacker executes arbitrary code on the base station, potentially disrupting network services or establishing persistence.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper network segmentation and updated firmware, impact is limited to isolated network segment.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - AirPort Base Stations are often internet-facing network devices.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal-only devices still vulnerable to internal attackers or compromised hosts.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity with network attack vector and no authentication required.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.8.1 or 7.9.1

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210090

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Open AirPort Utility on macOS or iOS. 2. Select your AirPort Base Station. 3. Click 'Update' if available. 4. Follow prompts to install firmware update. 5. Device will restart automatically.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate AirPort Base Station from critical network segments

Disable Remote Management

all

Turn off remote management features if not needed

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Replace AirPort Base Station with supported hardware
Implement strict network access controls and monitor for suspicious traffic

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version in AirPort Utility: Select device → Edit → Version

Check Version:

Not applicable - use AirPort Utility GUI

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm firmware version is 7.8.1 or 7.9.1 in AirPort Utility

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual firmware modification attempts
Unexpected device restarts

Network Indicators:

Suspicious traffic to AirPort Base Station management ports
Anomalous outbound connections from base station

SIEM Query:

Not applicable - device-specific logs limited

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2019-8578

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-416

Published: October 27, 2020

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210090 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210091 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210090 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210091 Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2019-8578, you might also want to check these: