CVE-2024-23212
📋 TL;DR
This is a memory handling vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with kernel-level persistence, data theft, credential harvesting, and installation of backdoors or ransomware.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from userland to kernel, enabling app sandbox escape and installation of malicious software.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and app installation is restricted to App Store only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires app execution, suggesting user interaction needed. Memory handling vulnerabilities often have reliable exploitation paths once understood.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: watchOS 10.3, tvOS 17.3, iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, iOS 16.7.5, iPadOS 16.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.4, macOS Monterey 12.7.3
Vendor Advisory: Not provided in CVE, check Apple Security Updates
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/tvOS. 2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allLimit app installation to App Store only to reduce attack surface
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps > Don't Allow
macOS: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Segment affected devices from critical network resources and monitor for unusual activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against patched versions listed in CVE descriptionCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: System Settings > General > About > macOS version; Terminal: sw_vers; watchOS: Watch app > General > About > Version; tvOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions: iOS/iPadOS 17.3+, iOS/iPadOS 16.7.5+, macOS Sonoma 14.3+, macOS Ventura 13.6.4+, macOS Monterey 12.7.3+, watchOS 10.3+, tvOS 17.3+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Unusual app behavior or crashes
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from Apple devices
- Beaconing to unknown domains
SIEM Query:
Example: (device_vendor:"Apple" AND event_type:"privilege_escalation") OR (process_name:"kernel" AND event_type:"crash")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/33
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/34
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/36
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/37
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/38
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/39
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/40
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214055
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214057
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214058
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214059
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214060
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214061
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214063
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/33
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/34
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/36
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/37
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/38
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/39
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/40
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214055
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214057
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214058
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214059
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214060
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214061
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214063
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214058
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214061
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214063
