CVE-2019-8506: Apple WebKit type confusion allows code execution

Automated analysis

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

high priorityThe flaw allows remote code execution with only user interaction and is confirmed exploited in the wild per CISA KEV, though fixed versions have long been available.

What it is

A type confusion flaw in Apple's web rendering components was fixed through improved memory handling. Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution, so browsing or rendering attacker-controlled content is enough to trigger it. It affects iOS, tvOS, watchOS, Safari, iTunes for Windows and iCloud for Windows.

Impact

An attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected application, potentially gaining the user's privileges on the device. Because the flaw sits in web content processing, a single malicious page can be the entry point.

Attack surface

Reached over the network by delivering malicious web content to the victim; the CVSS vector shows no privileges required but user interaction required, meaning the victim must load or view the crafted content. No authentication is needed.

Exploitation

CVE-2019-8506 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog (added 2022-05-04), confirming exploitation in the wild; EPSS gives a 30-day probability of 0.18108 (97th percentile). No ransomware campaign use is recorded.

What to do

• Apply the vendor updates that fix this issue: iOS 12.2, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2, Safari 12.1, iTunes 12.9.4 for Windows and iCloud for Windows 7.11.
• Inventory Apple devices and Windows hosts running iTunes or iCloud for Windows and confirm they are on or above the fixed versions.
• Prioritize internet-facing and user-browsing endpoints, since exploitation only requires viewing crafted web content.
• Where immediate patching is not possible, restrict browsing to trusted sites and reduce exposure of unmanaged Apple devices.
• Track the CISA KEV due date (2022-05-25) and verify remediation status for any remaining assets.

Detection

• Monitor for unexpected process crashes or memory corruption events in Safari, WebKit-based components, iTunes and iCloud for Windows.
• Hunt for unusual child processes spawned by browser or web-rendering processes, which can indicate code execution after a type confusion.
• Review proxy and web logs for delivery of suspicious or obfuscated web content to Apple clients around known exploitation windows.
• Check endpoint telemetry for anomalous behavior on hosts running unpatched Apple software versions listed in the advisory.

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