CVE-2024-54507
📋 TL;DR
A type confusion vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows attackers with user privileges to read kernel memory. This affects macOS, iOS, and iPadOS users running vulnerable versions. The issue could expose sensitive kernel data to malicious applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could read sensitive kernel memory containing passwords, encryption keys, or other privileged data, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass sandbox restrictions to access kernel memory, exposing system information and potentially enabling further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to information disclosure within the user's privilege context.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user privileges and knowledge of type confusion techniques. No public exploit code has been reported.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121837
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict application installation
allLimit installation of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface
Enable full disk encryption
allProtect data at rest in case of memory disclosure
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent untrusted code execution
- Segment networks to limit lateral movement from compromised devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version in Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS)Check Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or Settings > General > About > Version (iOS/iPadOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify system version is macOS 15.2 or later, iOS 18.2 or later, or iPadOS 18.2 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual kernel memory access patterns
- Suspicious application behavior with kernel APIs
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Process execution events with unusual kernel object access patterns