CVE-2024-27859 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and watchOS 10.4. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution due to improper memory handling when processing web content. Organizations relying on these systems face significant risks, as successful exploitation may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.8, categorizing it as high severity. This score indicates that attackers can exploit this vulnerability over a network with low complexity, requiring no privileges, but with user interaction necessary. The potential impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all marked as high.
Given the nature of this vulnerability and its potential exploitability, organizations must prioritize patching immediately. The affected versions include all versions prior to the release of the respective patches. As such, swift action is critical to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Apple has addressed this vulnerability in its latest software updates. Users should ensure that their devices are updated to the latest versions to protect themselves against potential threats.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which pertains to improper control of generation of code ('Code Injection'). It was published on February 10, 2025, and has since been modified. The vulnerability allows the execution of arbitrary code by processing malicious web content and can significantly compromise user security.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-27859 lies in Apple's memory handling practices. Specifically, the vulnerability arises in the way web content is processed, allowing attackers to manipulate memory and execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low complexity, as no special privileges are necessary to exploit it. However, user interaction is required, meaning that a user must engage with the malicious content for the exploit to succeed.
The potential impacts of this vulnerability are severe, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system operations, or disrupt services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential disruption of services. The blast radius could be extensive, affecting not only individual users but also organizational operations if exploited at scale. Given the high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
With an EPSS score indicating a 0.25% chance of exploitation, the urgency remains high. Organizations should schedule remediation efforts immediately to prevent potential compromises.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects the following versions: iOS versions prior to 17.4, iPadOS versions prior to 17.4, macOS versions prior to 14.4, tvOS versions prior to 17.4, visionOS versions prior to 1.1, and watchOS versions prior to 10.4. Organizations should ensure that they update their systems to the latest versions to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems by upgrading to the latest versions: iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and watchOS 10.4. If immediate patching is not possible, implement strong network controls to limit exposure, and monitor for unusual behavior in web content processing.
For more detailed guidance on enhancing security, organizations may find value in our penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of compromise related to unexpected web content processing and user interactions. Look for behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized access attempts and abnormal system performance. Additionally, maintain network signatures that can identify potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-27859 highlights the ongoing challenges in memory management within large systems. This vulnerability is a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices. Security teams should learn from this incident to enhance code review processes and proactively address similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further information on vulnerabilities like this, organizations may consider reviewing our vulnerability management program to better understand and mitigate risks.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, security teams should also explore our penetration testing methodology articles, which provide insights into effective security assessments.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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