CVE-2019-7287
Apple iOS Memory Corruption Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2019-7287 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS that allows an attacker to achieve remote code execution. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on affected iOS devices, potentially gaining full control over the device. CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2019-7287 by including it in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. With an EPSS percentile of 89.9%, this vulnerability represents a critical threat to iOS users, as successful exploitation can lead to complete device compromise including access to personal data, communications, and credentials.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| apple | iphone os | < 12.1.4 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- https://support.apple.com/HT209520(Release Notes, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-7287(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write
CWE-787 describes a weakness where a product writes data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. In CVE-2019-7287, a memory corruption flaw in Apple iOS allows an attacker to trigger out-of-bounds memory writes that corrupt critical data structures, enabling arbitrary code execution on the device.
Learn more: CWE-787 — Out-of-bounds Write
Impact Analysis
CVE-2019-7287 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS that enables remote code execution, representing one of the most severe impact categories for mobile device vulnerabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute arbitrary code on the targeted iOS device, potentially achieving kernel-level access. This allows the attacker to access all data stored on the device including messages, photos, credentials, and authentication tokens, install persistent surveillance software, intercept communications, and use the device as a pivot point for further attacks. The EPSS percentile of 89.9% indicates a very high probability of exploitation activity. The remote code execution capability means an attacker may not need physical access to the device — exploitation can potentially occur through malicious web content, crafted messages, or other remote delivery mechanisms.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2019-7287 in the wild by including it in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of June 13, 2022. The EPSS percentile of 89.9% places this vulnerability among the most likely-to-be-exploited flaws, reflecting significant real-world exploitation activity. Memory corruption vulnerabilities enabling remote code execution in iOS are among the most valuable exploits in the offensive security marketplace, commonly used in targeted surveillance operations and advanced persistent threat campaigns. The combination of remote exploitability and iOS targeting makes CVE-2019-7287 particularly attractive to sophisticated threat actors seeking access to high-value targets.
Remediation
- Update all affected iOS devices to the latest version that includes the patch for CVE-2019-7287 as specified in Apple's security advisory. This is the definitive fix for this vulnerability.
- Enable automatic updates on all iOS devices to ensure timely delivery of security patches as they become available from Apple.
- For enterprise environments, deploy MDM solutions to enforce minimum iOS version requirements and verify patch compliance across all managed devices.
- Implement network-level protections including web content filtering to block known malicious domains that may deliver exploits targeting this vulnerability.
- Monitor for indicators of compromise on iOS devices, including unexpected battery drain, data usage spikes, or the presence of unusual configuration profiles that may indicate surveillance malware installed through exploitation of this vulnerability.
Technical Details
CVE-2019-7287 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS that enables remote code execution through improper handling of memory operations. The flaw involves a condition where an attacker can trigger memory writes beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers, corrupting adjacent memory structures in a controlled manner. This out-of-bounds write capability allows the attacker to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical control data to redirect program execution to attacker-controlled code. The remote code execution vector suggests the vulnerability can be triggered through processing of attacker-supplied input without requiring local access to the device — possible delivery mechanisms include malicious web pages, crafted media files, or specially formatted messages. Once code execution is achieved, the attacker can chain this with additional iOS vulnerabilities to escape the application sandbox and achieve persistent kernel-level access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2019-7287 being actively exploited?
Yes, CVE-2019-7287 has been actively exploited. CISA has included it in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming real-world exploitation. The EPSS percentile of 89.9% further indicates very high exploitation activity targeting iOS devices.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-7287?
CVE-2019-7287 affects Apple iOS. Users should consult Apple's security advisory for the specific iOS versions that are vulnerable and update to the patched version immediately.
How do I fix CVE-2019-7287?
Update your iOS device to the latest available version that contains the fix for CVE-2019-7287. Enable automatic updates to ensure you receive future security patches promptly. Enterprise administrators should use MDM to enforce minimum version compliance.
How severe is CVE-2019-7287?
CVE-2019-7287 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability enabling remote code execution on iOS devices. Its EPSS percentile of 89.9% indicates very high exploitation likelihood. Successful exploitation can lead to complete device compromise, making immediate patching essential.
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