How severe is CVE-2019-8540?

CVE-2019-8540 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2019-8540 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (73rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-8540?

CVE-2019-8540 primarily affects Apple Iphone Os. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-8540?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2019-8540 published?

CVE-2019-8540 was published on 2019-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-8540

CVE-2019-8540 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Apple Iphone Os with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-665.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
CVSS v2: 7.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (73rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-665
Affected product: Apple Iphone Os
Published: 2019-12-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2. A malicious application may be able to determine kernel memory layout.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-8540?: A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2. A malicious application may be able to determine kernel memory layout.
How severe is CVE-2019-8540?: CVE-2019-8540 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2019-8540 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (73rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-8540?: CVE-2019-8540 primarily affects Apple Iphone Os. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-8540?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2019-8540 published?: CVE-2019-8540 was published on 2019-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:tvos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:watchos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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