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Vulnerability record · CVE-2019-6223 · published 5 March 2019

CVE-2019-6223: Apple Group FaceTime logic flaw lets call initiator force recipient answer

Apple · Iphone Os

A logic error in Group FaceTime call handling on iOS and macOS allowed the caller to cause the recipient's device to answer before the recipient accepted the call. Apple fixed it through improved state management in iOS 12.1.4 and macOS Mojave 10.14.3 Supplemental Update. The flaw matters because it defeats the user's expectation of consent before audio is transmitted.

7.5 CVSS 3.1 High CISA KEV since 3 Nov 2021 EPSS 2.6% · top 15.1%
7.5CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 5.0
2.6%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
YesIn CISA KEV, fix deadline passed
2Affected product versions listed by NVD
5References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

A logic issue existed in the handling of Group FaceTime calls. The issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.1.4, macOS Mojave 10.14.3 Supplemental Update. The initiator of a Group FaceTime call may be able to cause the recipient to answer.

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 17 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityThe flaw allows remote audio exposure without user interaction and is listed in CISA KEV, though the CVSS score is 7.5 and EPSS probability is modest.

What it is

A logic error in Group FaceTime call handling on iOS and macOS allowed the caller to cause the recipient's device to answer before the recipient accepted the call. Apple fixed it through improved state management in iOS 12.1.4 and macOS Mojave 10.14.3 Supplemental Update. The flaw matters because it defeats the user's expectation of consent before audio is transmitted.

Impact

An attacker who initiates a Group FaceTime call can cause the recipient to answer, potentially transmitting audio from the recipient's device without their acceptance. The CVSS vector rates confidentiality impact as high with no integrity or availability impact.

Attack surface

Reachable over the network through the Group FaceTime service; the CVSS vector shows no privileges and no user interaction required. The description indicates the initiator triggers the condition, so the recipient need not accept the call.

Exploitation

CVE-2019-6223 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating exploitation in the wild. EPSS gives a 30-day probability of 0.02629 (84.7th percentile), and references are vendor advisories plus the CISA KEV entry.

What to do

  • Update iOS to 12.1.4 or later and macOS Mojave to the 10.14.3 Supplemental Update or later per Apple advisories HT209520 and HT209521.
  • If immediate patching is not possible, disable Group FaceTime on managed devices.
  • Inventory iOS and macOS endpoints to confirm no device remains on an affected build.
  • Track the CISA KEV due date (2022-05-03) and verify remediation status for any remaining assets.

Detection

  • Audit device OS versions against the fixed builds to find unpatched iOS and macOS endpoints.
  • Monitor for unexpected Group FaceTime call activity or audio session starts that were not accepted by the user.
  • Review MDM or endpoint logs for Group FaceTime usage on devices pending update.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Exploitation in the wild

CISA added CVE-2019-6223 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 3 November 2021 as "Apple iOS and macOS Group Facetime Vulnerability". Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal deadline 3 May 2022.

Affected products

2 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://support.apple.com/HT209520 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT209521 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT209520 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT209521 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-6223 US Government Resource

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2019-6223), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.