CVE-2019-8838 Memory corruption in iOS and iPadOS
An attacker can execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges via a memory corruption flaw in Apple operating systems.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2019-8838?
CVE-2019-8838 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Apple Ipados, published on 27 Oct 2020. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.3 and iPadOS 13.3, watchOS 6.1.1, macOS Catalina 10.15.2, Security Update 2019-002 Mojave, and Security Update 2019-007 High Sierra, tvOS 13.3. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Weakness: CWE-787
Which versions are affected by CVE-2019-8838?
It affects 5 products.
Products include Apple Ipados, Apple Iphone Os, Apple Mac Os X, Apple Tvos, Apple Watchos.
How do I fix CVE-2019-8838?
No fix has been published for CVE-2019-8838 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2019-8838 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2019-8838 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Apple Ipados
- CVE-2025-43300 Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Out-of-Bounds Write
- CVE-2025-24201 Apple Multiple Products WebKit Out-of-Bounds Write
- CVE-2025-24085 Apple Multiple Products Use-After-Free
- CVE-2025-31200 Apple Multiple Products Memory Corruption
- CVE-2025-31201 Apple Multiple Products Arbitrary Read and Write
Sources
Also known as GHSA-pcv9-74p8-5f2v.