How severe is CVE-2019-8561?

CVE-2019-8561 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2019-8561 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-8561?

CVE-2019-8561 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-8561?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2019-8561 published?

CVE-2019-8561 was published on 2019-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-8561

CVE-2019-8561 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (93rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2019-12-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Mojave 10.14.4. A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-8561?: A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Mojave 10.14.4. A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges.
How severe is CVE-2019-8561?: CVE-2019-8561 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-8561 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-8561?: CVE-2019-8561 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-8561?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2019-8561 published?: CVE-2019-8561 was published on 2019-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://support.apple.com/HT209600

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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