CVE-2024-54525
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to modify protected system files by restoring maliciously crafted backup files. It affects Apple devices running vulnerable versions of visionOS, watchOS, tvOS, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. The issue stems from improper file handling logic that fails to validate backup file integrity.
💻 Affected Systems
- visionOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
- macOS Sequoia
- 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
Complete system compromise allowing privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, or disabling of security controls through modification of critical system files.
Likely Case
Limited file system manipulation leading to data corruption, privilege escalation, or installation of malicious components in protected areas.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper backup validation and restoration controls are implemented, or if systems are fully patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires creating a malicious backup file and convincing a user to restore it, or having physical/administrative access to trigger restoration.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: visionOS 2.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121837
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS/visionOS. 2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 3. Download and install the latest update. 4. Verify installation by checking version numbers.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Backup Sources
allOnly restore backups from trusted, verified sources. Implement policies to validate backup integrity before restoration.
Disable Unnecessary Backup Restoration
allLimit backup restoration capabilities to essential administrative functions only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict backup validation procedures requiring cryptographic verification of backup files before restoration
- Restrict physical and administrative access to devices to prevent unauthorized backup restoration
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against vulnerable versions: visionOS <2.2, watchOS <11.2, tvOS <18.2, macOS Sequoia <15.2, iOS <18.2, iPadOS <18.2Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS/visionOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: System Settings > General > About > macOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm OS version matches or exceeds patched versions: visionOS ≥2.2, watchOS ≥11.2, tvOS ≥18.2, macOS Sequoia ≥15.2, iOS ≥18.2, iPadOS ≥18.2📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual backup restoration events
- Modification timestamps on protected system files
- Failed integrity checks during backup restoration
Network Indicators:
- Unusual backup file transfers from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="backup_restoration" OR file_modification IN ("/System/", "/Library/", "/private/var/"))