CVE-2019-8526 Apple macOS: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 8, 2023
What to do
- Install Apple's security update for macOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Apple macOS Use-After-Free Vulnerability
- Product
- Apple macOS
- CISA description
- Apple macOS contains a use-after-free vulnerability that could allow for privilege escalation.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-416)
- Confirmed exploited
- Apr 17, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- May 8, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2019-8526 ·
Questions about CVE-2019-8526
Is CVE-2019-8526 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2019-8526 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Apr 17, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2019-8526?
Install Apple's security update for macOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2019-8526?
Only if you use Apple macOS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.