CVE-2019-8647 – CVE-2019-8647 is a use-after-free vulnerability... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2019-8647?

CVE-2019-8647 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). CVE-2019-8647 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple's iOS, tvOS, and watchOS that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This critical memory corruption issue affects users who haven't updated to patched versions. Successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2019-8647 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple's iOS, tvOS, and watchOS that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This critical memory corruption issue affects users who haven't updated to patched versions. Successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

iPhone
iPad
iPod touch
Apple TV
Apple Watch

Versions: iOS before 12.4, tvOS before 12.4, watchOS before 5.3

Operating Systems: iOS, tvOS, watchOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All devices running affected versions are vulnerable by default. No special configuration required.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote attacker gains full control of device, installs persistent malware, accesses sensitive data, and uses device as pivot point in network.

🟠

Likely Case

Attacker executes malicious code to steal credentials, personal data, or install surveillance/spyware.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if devices are updated to patched versions or isolated from untrusted networks.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Remote exploitation possible without user interaction in some scenarios.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Still exploitable via internal network attacks or malicious content.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Use-after-free vulnerabilities typically require memory manipulation expertise but remote exploitation vectors exist.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: iOS 12.4, tvOS 12.4, watchOS 5.3

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT210346

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Download and install iOS 12.4/tvOS 12.4/watchOS 5.3. 3. Restart device after installation completes.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate vulnerable devices from untrusted networks and internet access

Disable Unnecessary Services

all

Turn off Bluetooth, AirDrop, and other services when not in use

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Replace vulnerable devices with updated hardware
Implement strict network controls and monitor for suspicious activity

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is below iOS 12.4, tvOS 12.4, or watchOS 5.3, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Settings > General > About > Version (iOS/watchOS) or Settings > General > About (tvOS)

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm version shows iOS 12.4 or later, tvOS 12.4 or later, or watchOS 5.3 or later.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected process crashes
Memory access violations
Unusual system behavior

Network Indicators:

Suspicious network connections from Apple devices
Unexpected outbound traffic

SIEM Query:

device.vendor:"Apple" AND (os.version < "12.4" OR os.version < "5.3")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2019-8647

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: December 18, 2019

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/HT210346 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT210351 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT210353 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT210346 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT210351 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT210353 Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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