CVE-2024-27796
📋 TL;DR
This privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows attackers to gain elevated system privileges. It affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS users running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to bypass security restrictions and perform unauthorized actions.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attacker gains full system control, installs persistent malware, accesses sensitive data, and compromises the entire device.
Likely Case
Local attacker gains elevated privileges to bypass sandbox restrictions, access protected files, or install malicious software.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, impact is limited to isolated incidents with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to the device; exploitation details not publicly disclosed in detail.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote access to devices to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and device management policies
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software VersionCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About; macOS: About This Mac > OverviewVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is iOS 17.5+, iPadOS 17.5+, or macOS Sonoma 14.5+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Unauthorized process execution with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable; focus on endpoint detection
SIEM Query:
Endpoint logs showing processes gaining unexpected root/admin privileges🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/12
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214100
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214105
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214107
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/May/12
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214100
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214105
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214107
