CVE-2019-8721 Code injection in Xcode

High 8.8 Published 18 Dec 2019 Updated 4 Aug 2024

An attacker can execute arbitrary code with user privileges by exploiting improper input validation in the Xcode linker during compilation.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2019-8721?

CVE-2019-8721 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability in Apple Xcode, published on 18 Dec 2019. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Multiple issues in ld64 in the Xcode toolchains were addressed by updating to version ld64-507.4. This issue is fixed in Xcode 11.0. Compiling code without proper input validation could lead to arbitrary code execution with user privilege.

Weakness: CWE-20

Which versions are affected by CVE-2019-8721?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Apple Xcode.

How do I fix CVE-2019-8721?

No fix has been published for CVE-2019-8721 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.

Is CVE-2019-8721 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2019-8721 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Apple Xcode vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-m438-rqxw-r97m.