CVE-2024-40793
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an information disclosure vulnerability in Apple operating systems where an app could access user-sensitive data without proper authorization. The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS across multiple versions. Apple has addressed this by removing the vulnerable code in security updates.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- watchOS
📦 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 →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 →Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious apps could access sensitive user data including personal information, credentials, or private files stored on the device.
Likely Case
Apps with malicious intent could harvest user data they shouldn't have access to, potentially leading to privacy violations or credential theft.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, the impact would be limited to data within the app's designated permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public exploit code has been identified in the provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214108
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store and avoid sideloading unknown applications.
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions in device settings to limit data access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies allowing only verified applications from trusted sources
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software VersionCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Software Version; macOS: Apple menu > About This MacVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app behavior accessing protected data areas
- App crash reports related to data access violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration from apps to external servers
SIEM Query:
source="apple_device_logs" AND (event_type="data_access_violation" OR app_behavior="unusual_data_access")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/16
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/17
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/21
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214116
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214124
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/16
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/17
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/21
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214116
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214124
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214116
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214117
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214124
