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6.8

iPhone 3GS bootrom may accept malicious firmware

CVE-2019-9536 · published 6 years ago
Summary

The iPhone 3GS’s low‑level startup code can incorrectly signal that memory was allocated when it was not. An attacker who can physically touch the phone could use this to load and run their own firmware, bypassing normal security checks. Apply the latest official firmware update from Apple or replace the device if you suspect tampering.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
apple iphone_3gs All versions
cpe:2.3:h:apple:iphone_3gs:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
Apple iPhone 3GS bootrom malloc implementation returns a non-NULL pointer when unable to allocate memory, aka 'alloc8'. An attacker with physical access to the device can install arbitrary firmware.
Apple iPhone 3GS bootrom malloc implementation returns a non-NULL pointer when unable to allocate memory, aka 'alloc8'. An attacker with physical access to the device can install arbitrary firmware.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
6.8 Medium
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-755Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions
Timeline
Published22 Nov 2019
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2019-9536 · NVD
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