CVE-2024-44259
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit a trust relationship to download malicious content onto Apple devices. It affects iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, macOS, and Safari users running vulnerable versions. The issue involves improper state management that could be manipulated to bypass security controls.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- visionOS
- macOS
- Safari
📦 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 →Safari by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could download and execute malicious content on the device, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or installation of persistent malware.
Likely Case
Attackers could download malicious files or content that appears legitimate, potentially leading to phishing, credential theft, or limited system access.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and endpoint protection, the impact would be limited to isolated systems with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires manipulating trust relationships, which may involve social engineering or specific attack vectors. No public exploit code is known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, visionOS 2.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, Safari 18.1
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121563
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/visionOS devices. 2. For macOS, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. 3. For Safari, updates are included with macOS updates or through the App Store. 4. Install the latest available update. 5. Restart the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic downloads
allPrevent automatic downloading of content from untrusted sources
Use application allowlisting
macOSRestrict which applications can download and execute content
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for malicious download activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the device version against the patched versions listed in the affected systems section.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/visionOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: System Settings > General > About > macOS Version. Safari: Safari menu > About Safari.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the device is running iOS 17.7.1+, iPadOS 17.7.1+, visionOS 2.1+, iOS 18.1+, iPadOS 18.1+, macOS Sequoia 15.1+, or Safari 18.1+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected download events from untrusted sources
- Processes executing downloaded content without user interaction
Network Indicators:
- Downloads from unusual or untrusted domains
- Multiple download attempts in short timeframes
SIEM Query:
source="apple_device_logs" AND (event="download" OR event="file_execution") AND src_ip NOT IN trusted_networks🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121563
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121564
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121566
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121567
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121571
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/11
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Oct/9
