External risk intelligence

iPhone OS Memory Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-7287

The vulnerability exists within the iOS operating system and requires an application on the local device to execute code, making it a client-side, device-local issue that is not directly exposed to or reachable from the public internet.

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Iphone Os

before 12.1.4

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption issue in Apple's iOS operating system has been identified. This vulnerability could allow a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on an affected device. Such an occurrence could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems.

Vulnerable iOS component
Memory corruption flaw
Arbitrary code execution impact

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This memory corruption vulnerability, when exploited, allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. An attacker could leverage this by tricking a user into installing a malicious application. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected device.

Malicious application installation required.
Attacker gains kernel privileges.
Arbitrary code execution achieved.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A memory corruption vulnerability in the operating system could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This presents a significant risk if exploited, as it could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of data on affected devices. Organizations should prioritize remediation to mitigate potential business disruption and data loss.

Attacker skill level: Low
Required access or conditions: Local application, user interaction
Business risk or urgency: High

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A memory corruption vulnerability in iOS could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This issue has been addressed by Apple with improved input validation. Organizations should take steps to identify affected assets, reduce exposure, apply the vendor fix, and validate the fix. Monitoring for related issues is also recommended.

Find affected Apple devices.
Isolate risky systems.
Apply vendor fixes and verify.
Monitor for related activity.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the iPhone OS memory corruption vulnerability (CVE-2019-7287)?

This vulnerability affects Apple's iOS operating system. It's a memory corruption flaw that could allow a malicious application, once installed on a device, to run its own code with high-level system privileges. This could compromise the device's data and overall security.

What type of weakness is CVE-2019-7287, and what does it mean for iOS?

CVE-2019-7287 is classified as a CWE-787 weakness, which involves writing data past the intended buffer boundary. In iOS, this could let an application overwrite critical system memory, potentially leading to the execution of unauthorized commands with kernel-level access.

How could an attacker exploit this iOS vulnerability?

Exploitation requires an attacker to first get a malicious application onto the target device, often by convincing the user to install it. Once the application is running, it can then trigger the memory corruption flaw to gain elevated privileges. Simply visiting a website or receiving a message does not trigger this bug.

Who should be concerned about this iOS flaw?

Anyone using an affected version of iOS should be concerned. While the vulnerability requires a malicious app to be installed locally (making it an internal threat), the potential for an attacker to gain full control of a device means both individuals and organizations should prioritize addressing it.

What is the first step to address this iOS vulnerability?

The primary step is to update affected iOS devices to a version that includes the fix, specifically iOS 12.1.4 or later. After updating, it's advisable to verify that the update was applied successfully and to continue monitoring for any related security events.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.