External risk intelligence

Apple FaceTime Logic Flaw Impacts Call Recipients.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-6223

A logic flaw in Group FaceTime calls could allow an attacker to cause a recipient's device to answer the call. This impacts Apple iOS and macOS systems, potentially exposing audio data and user privacy. Organizations should apply vendor updates to mitigate this risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Apple Iphone Os

before 12.1.4before 10.14.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-6223

This vulnerability affects the FaceTime application, which is a client-side consumer software feature. It is not an internet-facing service, API, or appliance portal that is exposed to the public internet for remote management or infrastructure access in a way that typically characterizes public-facing attack surfaces.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A logic flaw in the handling of Group FaceTime calls could allow a call initiator to cause a recipient's device to answer the call without explicit user interaction. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access to the recipient's audio, impacting user privacy and the confidentiality of communications.

  • Vulnerable component: Group FaceTime calls
  • Core weakness: Improper state management during call initiation
  • Main business impact: Potential unauthorized access to user audio

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A logic issue in Group FaceTime handling allowed an initiator to cause a recipient to answer a call. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access to audio streams from the recipient's device. The vulnerability affected Apple iOS and macOS systems prior to specific updates.

  • Unprotected FaceTime feature exposure
  • Attacker initiates a Group FaceTime call
  • Recipient's device answers call without interaction

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A logic issue in Group FaceTime calls could allow a call initiator to cause a recipient's device to answer without explicit user interaction. This vulnerability impacts Apple's iOS and macOS systems. While the exact consequences are not detailed, the potential for unauthorized connection and eavesdropping presents a business risk.

  • Attackers may require low skill.
  • No access or conditions are required.
  • Business risk is considered high.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should take immediate steps to address a logic issue in the handling of Group FaceTime calls affecting Apple iOS and macOS systems. This vulnerability allows a call initiator to potentially cause a recipient's device to answer without interaction. This could expose sensitive information or allow unauthorized access.

  • Identify affected Apple devices.
  • Reduce exposure by disabling Group FaceTime if feasible.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate fixes.
  • Monitor for related security events.

Frequently asked questions

What is Group FaceTime and how is it used?

Group FaceTime is a feature in Apple's iOS and macOS that allows multiple people to join a single audio or video call. It's designed for group communication, letting friends, family, or colleagues connect together in one call using the FaceTime application.

What type of weakness does CVE-2019-6223 represent?

CVE-2019-6223 is classified as a logic issue vulnerability. This type of weakness arises from flaws in the program's decision-making processes or execution flow, rather than memory corruption.

What allows a call initiator to trigger the CVE-2019-6223 vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered by a logic issue in how Group FaceTime calls are handled. Specifically, the call initiator can cause the recipient's device to answer the call without the recipient actively responding or interacting.

Who is most affected by the CVE-2019-6223 vulnerability?

Users of Apple iOS and macOS systems are affected by this vulnerability. It impacts the Group FaceTime feature, potentially allowing unauthorized access to a recipient's audio if their device answers a call initiated by an attacker.

What are the initial steps for addressing CVE-2019-6223?

To address CVE-2019-6223, organizations should identify all affected Apple devices, consider disabling Group FaceTime as a temporary measure if possible, and promptly apply vendor-released updates for iOS and macOS. Validating that the fixes have been successfully implemented is also crucial.

References