CVE-2019-8800 – CVE-2019-8800 is a memory corruption vulnerabil... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2019-8800?

CVE-2019-8800 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). CVE-2019-8800 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Xcode that allows arbitrary code execution when processing malicious files. This affects developers using Xcode to build applications, potentially compromising their development systems. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2019-8800 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Xcode that allows arbitrary code execution when processing malicious files. This affects developers using Xcode to build applications, potentially compromising their development systems. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Xcode

Versions: Versions prior to Xcode 11.2

Operating Systems: macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Only affects macOS systems running vulnerable Xcode versions; developers and build servers are primary targets.

📦 What is this software?

Xcode by Apple

View all CVEs affecting Xcode →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete compromise of developer workstation leading to supply chain attacks, credential theft, and lateral movement within development environments.

🟠

Likely Case

Targeted attacks against developers to steal source code, intellectual property, or implant backdoors in software being developed.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper network segmentation, developer workstation hardening, and file processing restrictions.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Xcode is typically not internet-facing, though malicious files could be delivered via email or downloads.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Development environments are high-value targets; exploitation could lead to supply chain compromise.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious file; no authentication required once file is processed.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Xcode 11.2 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT210729

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Open App Store on macOS. 2. Search for Xcode updates. 3. Install Xcode 11.2 or later. 4. Verify installation by checking version in Xcode > About Xcode.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict file processing

all

Limit Xcode to only process trusted files from known sources

Sandbox execution

all

Run Xcode in isolated environment or virtual machine

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate development systems from production networks
Implement strict file validation and scanning for all files processed by Xcode

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Xcode version: Open Xcode > About Xcode. If version is earlier than 11.2, system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

xcodebuild -version

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm Xcode version is 11.2 or later in About Xcode dialog.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected crashes in Xcode
Suspicious file processing activity
Unusual process spawning from Xcode

Network Indicators:

Outbound connections from Xcode to unexpected destinations
File downloads to development systems

SIEM Query:

process_name:"Xcode" AND (event_type:"crash" OR parent_process:!"Terminal")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2019-8800

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

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

CWE: CWE-787

Published: December 18, 2019

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/HT210729 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT210729 Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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