CVE-2024-54492
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers in a privileged network position (like on the same network) to intercept and modify network traffic due to unencrypted HTTP communication. It affects Apple devices running vulnerable versions of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The issue enables man-in-the-middle attacks against network communications.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could intercept sensitive data (credentials, personal information), inject malicious content, or redirect users to phishing sites by manipulating unencrypted network traffic.
Likely Case
Data interception and modification of network communications, potentially exposing transmitted information or altering application behavior.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if HTTPS is enforced and network segmentation prevents attackers from reaching privileged positions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires attacker to be in privileged network position (man-in-the-middle). No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, iPadOS 17.7.3, visionOS 2.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121837
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Install the latest update for your device. 4. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Enforce HTTPS Only
allConfigure applications and services to use HTTPS exclusively and disable HTTP fallback.
Network Segmentation
allImplement network segmentation to limit attacker access to privileged network positions.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use VPN for all network communications to encrypt traffic end-to-end
- Avoid using affected devices on untrusted networks (public Wi-Fi, shared networks)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS/visionOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS). Compare against patched versions.Check Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or check Settings > General > About > Version (iOS/iPadOS/visionOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify device is running macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later, iOS 18.2 or later, iPadOS 18.2 or later, iPadOS 17.7.3 or later, or visionOS 2.2 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP traffic patterns
- Failed HTTPS connections with HTTP fallback
Network Indicators:
- Unencrypted HTTP traffic from Apple devices
- Man-in-the-middle attack signatures in network monitoring
SIEM Query:
source="network_traffic" http_method=* AND (user_agent CONTAINS "Apple" OR device_type="Apple") AND NOT protocol="HTTPS"