CVE-2024-44144
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple operating systems that could allow unexpected application termination when processing malicious files. It affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability is caused by improper size validation when handling crafted files.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
- visionOS
📦 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
Potential arbitrary code execution leading to full system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities
Likely Case
Application crash or denial of service through unexpected termination
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are patched or proper file validation is in place
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious file. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121238
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install available updates. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file processing
allLimit file processing to trusted sources only and avoid opening files from unknown origins
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to restrict which applications can process files
- Use network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems and restrict file transfers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crash logs showing abnormal termination
- System logs showing file processing errors
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file downloads from untrusted sources
- File transfer patterns to vulnerable systems
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="app_crash" OR event="process_termination") AND process_name="*file_processor*"🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121238
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121240
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121248
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121249
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121250
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121567
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121570
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/12
