CVE-2024-40809
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows shortcuts to bypass internet permission requirements on Apple devices, potentially enabling unauthorized network access. It affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS. Users who haven't updated to the patched versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- watchOS
- 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 →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 shortcuts could exfiltrate sensitive data, perform unauthorized network reconnaissance, or establish command and control channels without user knowledge.
Likely Case
Shortcuts could access network resources they shouldn't have permission to reach, potentially leaking user data or performing unwanted network operations.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated. With network segmentation and monitoring, unauthorized network traffic could be detected and blocked.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to run a malicious shortcut. No public proof-of-concept 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, visionOS 1.3, macOS Sonoma 14.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214108
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/visionOS. 2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 3. Download and install the available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Shortcuts from Untrusted Sources
allPrevent installation of shortcuts from untrusted sources to reduce attack surface.
Settings > Shortcuts > Allow Untrusted Shortcuts (toggle OFF)
Network Segmentation
allSegment devices into restricted network zones to limit potential damage from unauthorized network access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict shortcut usage to only trusted sources and disable internet access for shortcuts where possible.
- Implement network monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections from affected devices.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the device's operating system version against the affected versions listed above.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/visionOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the device is running one of the patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual network connections initiated by Shortcuts process
- Shortcuts accessing network resources without explicit user permission
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from Apple devices running shortcuts
- Traffic to unusual destinations from Shortcuts-related processes
SIEM Query:
source="apple_device_logs" AND process="shortcuts" AND destination_ip NOT IN [allowed_ips]🔗 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
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/23
- 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/HT214123
- 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
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/23
- 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/HT214123
- 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
