CVE-2024-27856
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows processing a malicious file to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution on affected Apple devices. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Safari, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS users who process untrusted files. Attackers could exploit this to crash applications or execute malicious code on the victim's device.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- Safari
- watchOS
- tvOS
- visionOS
📦 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 →Safari by Apple
Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise via arbitrary code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Application crashes (denial of service) or limited code execution in sandboxed contexts, potentially leading to data leakage.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched; minimal risk with proper file handling controls and user education about untrusted files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to process a malicious file; no public exploit details available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.5, iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, Safari 17.5, iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120896
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install available updates. 4. For Safari, update through the App Store or system updates. 5. Verify installation by checking version numbers.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file processing
allAvoid opening untrusted files from unknown sources; use application sandboxing where possible.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can process files.
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious file processing behavior.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version: macOS - About This Mac; iOS/iPadOS - Settings > General > About; Safari - Safari > About Safari.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; Safari: Safari > About SafariVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version numbers match or exceed patched versions listed in affected_systems.versions.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected application crashes (especially file processing apps)
- Suspicious file access patterns in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following file processing
- Downloads of suspicious file types from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="app_crash" OR event="file_access") AND process_name IN ("Safari", "Preview", "Mail")