CVE-2024-44252 – This CVE describes a logic vulnerability in App... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-44252?

CVE-2024-44252 has a CVSS score of 7.1 (HIGH). This CVE describes a logic vulnerability in Apple's iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and tvOS backup restoration process. An attacker could create a malicious backup file that, when restored, modifies protected system files on the device. This affects users who restore backups from untrusted sources on vulnerable Apple operating systems.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a logic vulnerability in Apple's iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and tvOS backup restoration process. An attacker could create a malicious backup file that, when restored, modifies protected system files on the device. This affects users who restore backups from untrusted sources on vulnerable Apple operating systems.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

iOS
iPadOS
visionOS
tvOS

Versions: Versions prior to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, visionOS 2.1, tvOS 18.1

Operating Systems: iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, tvOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All devices running affected versions are vulnerable when restoring backups.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise allowing system file modification, potential persistence, and privilege escalation leading to data theft or device control.

🟠

Likely Case

Limited system file modification leading to instability, data corruption, or installation of unwanted components.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if backups are only restored from trusted sources and devices are patched.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Exploitation requires physical access or user interaction with malicious backup files.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Risk exists if users restore backups from untrusted sources within the organization.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires user interaction to restore a malicious backup file.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, visionOS 2.1, tvOS 18.1

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121563

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Download and install the latest available update. 3. Restart device after installation completes.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict Backup Sources

all

Only restore backups from trusted, verified sources. Avoid restoring backups from unknown or untrusted locations.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict policies prohibiting restoration of backups from untrusted sources.
Monitor for unusual system file modifications or unexpected device behavior.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software Version.

Check Version:

Settings > General > About > Software Version (no CLI command available)

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify device is running iOS 18.1+, iPadOS 18.1+, iOS 17.7.1+, iPadOS 17.7.1+, visionOS 2.1+, or tvOS 18.1+.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual backup restoration events
System file modification attempts

Network Indicators:

Backup file transfers from untrusted sources

SIEM Query:

Search for backup restoration events from unusual sources or at unusual times.

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-44252

CVSS v3 Score: 7.1 (HIGH)

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

Published: October 28, 2024

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/en-us/121563 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/121566 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/121567 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/121569 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/10
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/15
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/16
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/9

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