CVE-2024-40805
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions issue in Apple operating systems that allows applications to bypass Privacy preferences. It affects users of watchOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS who have not updated to the latest versions. The vulnerability could enable apps to access restricted data or features without proper user consent.
💻 Affected Systems
- watchOS
- macOS Sonoma
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
📦 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious apps could access sensitive user data (contacts, photos, location, microphone, camera) without permission, leading to privacy violations, data theft, or surveillance.
Likely Case
Apps could bypass specific privacy controls to access data or features they shouldn't have permission for, potentially violating user privacy expectations.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user caution, impact is limited to apps that users choose to install, reducing exposure to trusted sources only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the device. No public exploit code has been disclosed in the referenced advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: watchOS 10.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, tvOS 17.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117
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
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 minimize potential exposure.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies allowing only verified applications from trusted sources.
- Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious app behavior.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version in Settings > General > About and compare against patched versions.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > Version (iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm OS version matches or exceeds: watchOS 10.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, tvOS 17.6.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual permission requests from apps, unexpected access to protected resources
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious data exfiltration from apps with limited permissions
SIEM Query:
Search for app permission escalation events or unexpected resource access patterns in endpoint logs.🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/16
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/21
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/22
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214122
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214124
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/16
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/21
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/22
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214117
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214122
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214124
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214117
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214122
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214124
