CVE-2024-54494
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an attacker to create a read-only memory mapping that can be written to. This affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability could potentially allow unauthorized memory modification.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
- 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent malware installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected device, potentially accessing sensitive data or installing unauthorized software.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls and updated systems, the risk is limited to denial of service or minor information disclosure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Race condition vulnerabilities typically require precise timing and local access, making exploitation challenging but possible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iPadOS 17.7.3, watchOS 11.2, visionOS 2.2, tvOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121837
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update for your device. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No effective workarounds available
allThis is a kernel-level race condition vulnerability that requires patching at the operating system level.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical and network access to affected devices
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your device's operating system version against the patched versions listed in the affected systems section.Check Version:
On Apple devices: Settings > General > About > Software VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that your device is running one of the patched versions listed in the fix_official section.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected process crashes
- Memory access violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Apple devices
- Suspicious local network traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event_type="kernel_panic" OR event_type="memory_violation")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121837
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121838
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121839
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121840
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121842
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121843
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121844
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121845
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Dec/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Dec/12
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Dec/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Dec/7
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Dec/8
