CVE-2019-8605 Apple Multiple Products Use-After-Free Vulnerability
A use-after-free vulnerability in Apple iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS could allow a malicious application to execute code with system privileges.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 27 Jun 2022.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 7.8, scored by CISA).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,593 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, tvOS 12.3, watchOS 5.2.1. A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Apple iOS | unspecified to before iOS 12.3 |
| Apple macOS | unspecified to before macOS Mojave 10.14.5 |
| Apple tvOS | unspecified to before tvOS 12.3 |
| Apple watchOS | unspecified to before watchOS 5.2.1 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Apple Multiple Products. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
Vendor Advisories
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2019-8605 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
