CVE-2019-8795
📋 TL;DR
This memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS/iPadOS/tvOS allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with system privileges. It affects devices running older versions of these operating systems, potentially giving attackers full control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Tvos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with system-level privileges, allowing data theft, persistence, and lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Malicious app gains full device control, enabling data exfiltration, surveillance, or ransomware deployment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated, have strict app controls, and minimal sensitive data.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install malicious application. Memory corruption vulnerabilities often have public exploits developed over time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, tvOS 13.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT210721
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Download and install iOS 13.2/iPadOS 13.2/tvOS 13.2 or later. 3. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources and disable sideloading.
Network Segmentation
allIsolate vulnerable devices from critical network segments.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from internet and sensitive networks
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, or tvOS 13.2, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > Version (no CLI command available)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows iOS 13.2, iPadOS 13.2, or tvOS 13.2 or later in Settings > General > About > Version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process execution with high privileges
- Memory access violations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from mobile devices
- Traffic to known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
source="apple_mdm" OR source="ios_logs" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="unexpected_system_process")