CVE-2024-27848
📋 TL;DR
A permissions checking vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows malicious applications to gain root privileges. This affects macOS, iOS, and iPadOS users running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete system control.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 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
Complete system compromise with root access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement across networks.
Likely Case
Malicious app escalates to root privileges, enabling data exfiltration, keylogging, and installation of additional payloads.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper app vetting and sandboxing, but still significant if malicious app bypasses initial security checks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install malicious app. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.5, iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check OS version in System Settings > General > AboutCheck Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version is macOS 14.5 or later, iOS 17.5 or later, or iPadOS 17.5 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Processes running with root privileges from user apps
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name contains ".app" and user contains "root"🔗 References
- 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
- 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
