CVE-2024-27826
📋 TL;DR
This is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple operating systems where an application can execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges due to improper memory handling. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
- 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 →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 system compromise with kernel-level persistence, data theft, and ability to bypass all security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious apps gaining full system access to install backdoors, steal credentials, and maintain persistence.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and app installation is restricted to trusted sources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.6.8, macOS Sonoma 14.5, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, watchOS 10.5, visionOS 1.3, tvOS 17.5, iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/tvOS/visionOS. 2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 3. Download and install the latest update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources like the official App Store.
Enable Gatekeeper
macosEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled on macOS to verify app signatures.
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks and sensitive data
- Implement strict application allowlisting and monitor for unauthorized app installations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against patched versions listed in Apple advisory.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; watchOS: Watch app > General > About > Version; tvOS: Settings > System > About > Version; visionOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions: macOS Ventura 13.6.8+, macOS Sonoma 14.5+, macOS Monterey 12.7.6+, watchOS 10.5+, visionOS 1.3+, tvOS 17.5+, iOS 17.5+, iPadOS 17.5+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Unauthorized privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious app installation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from kernel-level processes
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_extension_load" OR event="privilege_escalation") AND status="failed" OR status="unauthorized"🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/23
- 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/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214123
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214102
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214104
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/23
- 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/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214123
- 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/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214123
