CVE-2024-23215: Apple iPadOS Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2024-23215 Overview

CVE-2024-23215 is a vulnerability in Apple's handling of temporary files across multiple Apple operating systems, including macOS Sonoma, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files, which allows a malicious application to access user-sensitive data without authorization.

This vulnerability affects the core file handling mechanisms within Apple's operating systems, potentially exposing private user information to unauthorized applications running on the device.

Critical Impact

A malicious application running on affected Apple devices may be able to access user-sensitive data through improper temporary file handling, compromising user privacy.

Affected Products

• Apple macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.3)
• Apple iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 17.3)
• Apple watchOS (versions prior to 10.3)
• Apple tvOS (versions prior to 17.3)

Discovery Timeline

• January 23, 2024 - CVE-2024-23215 published to NVD
• November 4, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-23215

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists in the temporary file handling mechanism across Apple's operating system family. The flaw allows applications to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive user data that should be protected by the operating system's security boundaries.

The vulnerability requires local access, meaning an attacker must have the ability to execute code on the target device. This typically occurs through a malicious application that a user has installed. Once running, the application can exploit the improper temporary file handling to access data belonging to other applications or the system itself.

The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized data access but does not allow modification of data or disruption of services. User interaction is required for exploitation, typically in the form of installing and running a malicious application.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-23215 lies in improper handling of temporary files within Apple's operating systems. Temporary files are commonly used by applications and the operating system to store transient data during operations. When these files are not properly secured—through inadequate permissions, predictable naming conventions, or insecure storage locations—they can become vectors for information disclosure.

The vulnerability indicates that temporary files may have been created with overly permissive access controls, stored in accessible locations, or persisted longer than necessary, allowing other applications to read their contents.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring the attacker to have code execution capability on the target device. The typical exploitation scenario involves:

1. An attacker creates a malicious application designed to exploit the temporary file handling flaw
2. The victim installs and runs the malicious application on their Apple device
3. The malicious application exploits the improper temporary file handling to access sensitive user data
4. The application exfiltrates or misuses the accessed data

This vulnerability could be particularly concerning if combined with social engineering tactics to trick users into installing malicious applications, or if an attacker already has limited access to a device and wants to escalate their data access capabilities.

The exploitation does not require any special privileges beyond the ability to run an application, making it accessible to any code running on the affected device.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23215

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual application access patterns to temporary file directories such as /tmp, /var/folders, or application-specific temp locations
• Applications attempting to read temporary files created by other processes
• Suspicious file system access events from applications that should not require broad file access
• Unexpected data exfiltration from devices following installation of new applications

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system access events for applications attempting to access temporary files outside their sandbox
• Implement application behavior analysis to detect anomalous file access patterns
• Review installed applications for unknown or suspicious software that may be exploiting this vulnerability
• Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive file system auditing on managed Apple devices
• Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor application installations and behaviors
• Implement SentinelOne Singularity Platform for real-time threat detection across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS endpoints
• Regularly review security logs for signs of unauthorized data access

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23215

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all affected Apple devices to the latest patched versions immediately
• Review installed applications on all Apple devices and remove any suspicious or unnecessary software
• Restrict application installation to trusted sources (App Store) where possible
• Enable automatic updates to ensure devices receive security patches promptly

Patch Information

Apple has released security updates that address this vulnerability with improved handling of temporary files. The following versions contain the fix:

• macOS Sonoma 14.3 - Apple Security Update HT214061
• iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 - Apple Security Update HT214059
• watchOS 10.3 - Apple Security Update HT214060
• tvOS 17.3 - Apple Security Update HT214055

Organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all managed Apple devices.

Workarounds

• Limit installation of third-party applications to only those from verified, trusted developers
• Use application allowlisting where possible to prevent unauthorized applications from running
• Implement network segmentation to limit data exfiltration capabilities if exploitation occurs
• Deploy endpoint protection solutions with behavioral analysis capabilities to detect exploitation attempts

# Check macOS version to verify patch status
sw_vers -productVersion
# Expected output for patched systems: 14.3 or later

# Check iOS/iPadOS version via command line (for managed devices)
# Use MDM to verify device versions are 17.3 or later

# Review installed applications on macOS
ls /Applications/
mdfind "kMDItemKind == 'Application'"