CVE-2024-54523
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an app to corrupt coprocessor memory due to insufficient bounds checks. It affects macOS, watchOS, tvOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices running versions before the specified security updates. The issue could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
- 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent malware installation.
Likely Case
App crashes, system instability, or limited memory corruption leading to denial of service conditions.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact would be limited to the app's own memory space.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target device. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, 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 security update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
App Installation Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted apps to prevent potential exploitation.
For macOS: Enable Gatekeeper via System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store and identified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies and only allow trusted, signed applications
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version in Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS). If version is below the patched versions listed, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds: macOS 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, iOS 18.2, or iPadOS 18.2.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panics, unexpected app crashes, memory access violation logs in system logs
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators - exploitation is local
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'kernel panic' OR 'memory corruption' OR 'bounds check' in system logs on Apple devices