CVE-2024-40786 – CVE-2024-40786 is an Apple iOS/iPadOS/macOS vul... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-40786?

CVE-2024-40786 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). CVE-2024-40786 is an Apple iOS/iPadOS/macOS vulnerability involving improper state management that allows attackers to view sensitive user information. This affects users running vulnerable versions of Apple's operating systems who haven't applied security updates. The vulnerability exposes private data that should be protected by the system's security mechanisms.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2024-40786 is an Apple iOS/iPadOS/macOS vulnerability involving improper state management that allows attackers to view sensitive user information. This affects users running vulnerable versions of Apple's operating systems who haven't applied security updates. The vulnerability exposes private data that should be protected by the system's security mechanisms.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

iOS
iPadOS
macOS Ventura

Versions: Versions prior to iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.6.8

Operating Systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All standard configurations of affected Apple operating systems are vulnerable until patched. The vulnerability relates to core system state management.

📦 What is this software?

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 compromise of sensitive user data including passwords, authentication tokens, personal information, and private communications.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized access to specific sensitive information stored in memory or temporary files that should be cleared but persists due to state management issues.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited or no data exposure if proper access controls and isolation mechanisms are in place and the vulnerability is patched.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM - While the vulnerability requires some level of access, internet-facing Apple devices could be targeted through web-based attacks or malicious apps.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers with device access or network positioning could exploit this to access sensitive information on vulnerable devices.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation likely requires some level of access to the device or ability to execute code. The CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) classification suggests authentication/authorization bypass elements.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.6.8

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214116

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. For macOS: 1. Open System Settings. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Install the security update. 4. Restart when complete.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Limit app permissions

all

Reduce attack surface by restricting app permissions to minimum necessary levels

Enable automatic updates

all

Configure devices to automatically install security updates

Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > Enable all options

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate vulnerable devices from sensitive networks and data
Implement strict access controls and monitoring for devices that cannot be immediately updated

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, or macOS Ventura 13.6.8, the device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: System Settings > General > About > macOS version.

Verify Fix Applied:

After update, verify version shows iOS 17.6+, iPadOS 17.6+, iOS 16.7.9+, iPadOS 16.7.9+, or macOS Ventura 13.6.8+ in Settings > General > About.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual process memory access patterns
Unexpected system state changes
Access to protected memory regions

Network Indicators:

Unusual outbound data transfers from Apple devices
Suspicious app communication patterns

SIEM Query:

source="apple-device-logs" AND (event_type="memory_access" OR event_type="state_violation") AND severity>=medium

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-40786

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

CWE: CWE-284

Published: July 29, 2024

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

🔗 References

http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/16 Mailing List,Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/17 Mailing List,Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19 Mailing List,Third Party Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214116 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/16 Mailing List,Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/17 Mailing List,Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19 Mailing List,Third Party Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214116 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214116
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214117
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214120

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