CVE-2024-27815
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write 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, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. Users running affected versions are vulnerable to potential privilege escalation attacks.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS Sonoma
- tvOS
- watchOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or create backdoors.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from userland to kernel, enabling malicious apps to bypass security controls and access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched and app installation is restricted to trusted sources only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, visionOS 1.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allLimit app installation to App Store only to prevent malicious apps from being installed.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies allowing only trusted, verified applications
- Isolate affected devices from critical network segments and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the operating system version in Settings > General > About on iOS/iPadOS or About This Mac on macOS.Check Version:
On macOS: sw_vers. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix information.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Unusual process privilege escalation
- Suspicious app installation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Communication with known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
Process creation events where parent process is userland app and child process has SYSTEM or root privileges🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jun/5
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214102
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214104
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214108
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214102
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214104
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214108
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jun/5
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214102
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214104
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214108
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214102
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214104
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214108
