CVE-2024-27789 – This CVE-2024-27789 is a logic flaw in Apple op... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-27789?

CVE-2024-27789 has a CVSS score of 5.5 (MEDIUM). This CVE-2024-27789 is a logic flaw in Apple operating systems that allows applications to access sensitive user data they shouldn't normally have permission to view. The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS systems running specific older versions. Users with affected devices are at risk of data exposure to malicious or compromised applications.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE-2024-27789 is a logic flaw in Apple operating systems that allows applications to access sensitive user data they shouldn't normally have permission to view. The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS systems running specific older versions. Users with affected devices are at risk of data exposure to malicious or compromised applications.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

iOS
iPadOS
macOS

Versions: Versions prior to iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Sonoma 14.4

Operating Systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All standard configurations of affected versions are vulnerable. The vulnerability exists in the operating system's permission checking logic.

📦 What is this software?

Ipados by Apple

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Iphone Os by Apple

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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 →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

A malicious app could access sensitive user data including passwords, personal documents, authentication tokens, or private communications stored on the device.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious apps in the App Store or sideloaded apps could access user data they're not authorized to view, potentially leading to data theft or privacy violations.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper app sandboxing and security controls, only limited data exposure might occur, but sensitive information could still be compromised.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This is primarily a local device vulnerability requiring app installation, not directly exploitable over the internet.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Malicious apps could be distributed internally or through enterprise app stores, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data on employee devices.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory dates.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Sonoma 14.4

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214084

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (iOS/iPadOS) or System Preferences (macOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict App Installation

all

Limit app installation to only trusted sources and avoid sideloading unknown applications.

Review App Permissions

all

Regularly review and restrict app permissions in device settings to minimize potential data exposure.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate affected devices from accessing sensitive corporate data and networks
Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to restrict app installation and monitor for suspicious activity

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device version in Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS). If version is below the patched versions listed, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: sw_vers or Apple menu > About This Mac

Verify Fix Applied:

After updating, verify the device version matches or exceeds: iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, or macOS Sonoma 14.4.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual app behavior accessing protected data stores
Permission violation logs in system logs
MDM alerts for unauthorized data access

Network Indicators:

Suspicious data exfiltration from mobile devices
Unusual network traffic from apps to external servers

SIEM Query:

source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="data_access_violation" OR event="permission_override")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-27789

CVSS v3 Score: 5.5 (MEDIUM)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

CWE: CWE-922

Published: May 14, 2024

Last Updated: December 9, 2024

🔗 References

http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/11 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/13 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/14 Mailing List
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214084 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214100 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214105 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214107 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214084 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214100 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214105 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214107 Vendor Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/11 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/13 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/14 Mailing List
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214084 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214100 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214105 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214107 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214084 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214100 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214105 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214107 Vendor Advisory

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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