CVE-2019-13449 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A denial of service vulnerability in the Zoom Client on macOS versions earlier than 4.4.2 can be triggered by remote attackers.

Understanding CVE-2019-13449

By sending a series of invalid requests to a specific port, attackers can cause a denial of service in the Zoom Client on macOS.

What is CVE-2019-13449?

This CVE involves triggering a denial of service (continuous focus grabs) in the Zoom Client on macOS versions earlier than 4.4.2 by sending a series of invalid requests to a specific port.

The Impact of CVE-2019-13449

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to disrupt the normal operation of the Zoom Client on vulnerable macOS versions, potentially leading to service interruptions and usability issues.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-13449

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are outlined below:

Vulnerability Description

Remote attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending a sequence of invalid requests to a specific port, causing continuous focus grabs and leading to a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Zoom Client on macOS versions earlier than 4.4.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending a series of invalid launch?action=join&confno= requests to localhost port 19421.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-13449, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Zoom Client to version 4.4.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting port 19421.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to restrict unauthorized access to critical ports.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Zoom to apply patches promptly and enhance system security.