CVE-2024-27841
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an app to disclose kernel memory due to improper memory handling in Apple operating systems. It affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS users running vulnerable versions, potentially exposing sensitive system information to malicious applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could read kernel memory containing sensitive data like encryption keys, passwords, or other protected information, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could leak kernel memory contents, exposing system information that could be used for further attacks or information gathering.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, the impact is limited to information disclosure within the app's context.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target device. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ 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
App Installation Restriction
allRestrict app installations to only trusted sources like the official App Store
Device Management Controls
allUse MDM solutions to enforce app whitelisting and prevent unauthorized app installations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies allowing only verified apps from trusted sources
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to monitor for suspicious app behavior and enforce security controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software VersionCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This MacVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is iOS 17.5 or later, iPadOS 17.5 or later, or macOS Sonoma 14.5 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual memory access patterns in kernel logs
- Suspicious app behavior related to memory operations
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - requires local device monitoring🔗 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/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
- 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/HT214101
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106
