CVE-2019-8900

CVE-2019-8900 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Apple Securerom with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 69% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the SecureROM of some Apple devices can be exploited by an unauthenticated local attacker to execute arbitrary code upon booting those devices. This vulnerability allows arbitrary code to be executed on the device. Exploiting the vulnerability requires physical access to the device: the device must be plugged in to a computer upon booting, and it must be put into Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode. The exploit is not persistent; rebooting the device overrides any changes to the device's software that were made during an exploited session on the device. Additionally, unless an attacker has access to the device's unlock PIN or fingerprint, an attacker cannot gain access to information protected by Apple's Secure Enclave or Touch ID features.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-8900?
A vulnerability in the SecureROM of some Apple devices can be exploited by an unauthenticated local attacker to execute arbitrary code upon booting those devices. This vulnerability allows arbitrary code to be executed on the device. Exploiting the vulnerability requires physical access to the device: the device must be plugged in to a computer upon booting, and it must be put into Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode. The exploit is not persistent; rebooting the device overrides any changes to the device's software that were made during an exploited session on the device. Additionally, unless an attacker has access to the device's unlock PIN or fingerprint, an attacker cannot gain access to information protected by Apple's Secure Enclave or Touch ID features.
How severe is CVE-2019-8900?
CVE-2019-8900 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.8, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over physical access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-8900 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 69% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-8900?
CVE-2019-8900 affects Apple Securerom. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-8900?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2019-8900 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2019-8900 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2019-18289.
When was CVE-2019-8900 published?
CVE-2019-8900 was published on 2025-02-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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