CVE-2024-23286: Apple iPadOS Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2024-23286 Overview

CVE-2024-23286 is a buffer overflow vulnerability [CWE-120] in Apple's image processing component affecting multiple operating systems. Processing a maliciously crafted image can lead to arbitrary code execution on the target device. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling across its product line.

The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS Monterey, macOS Sonoma, macOS Ventura, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open or preview the malicious image file. The flaw carries a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 with local attack vector.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the process handling the image, potentially leading to full device compromise across Apple's ecosystem.

Affected Products

Apple iOS (versions prior to 16.7.6 and 17.4) and iPadOS (prior to 16.7.6 and 17.4)
Apple macOS Monterey (prior to 12.7.4), macOS Ventura (prior to 13.6.5), macOS Sonoma (prior to 14.4)
Apple tvOS (prior to 17.4), visionOS (prior to 1.1), watchOS (prior to 10.4)

Discovery Timeline

2024-03-08 - CVE-2024-23286 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-23286

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a classic buffer overflow [CWE-120] triggered during image processing. When the affected image parser handles a specifically crafted image file, it writes data beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory structures, including return addresses or function pointers.

Apple's advisory confirms the fix was implemented through improved memory handling, indicating stronger boundary checks were introduced in the parsing routines. Because image processing frameworks such as ImageIO and CoreGraphics are used pervasively across Apple platforms, the same underlying flaw manifests in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.

The EPSS probability of 1.247% (65.6 percentile) suggests moderate exploitation likelihood relative to other CVEs, though no public proof-of-concept is currently available.

Root Cause

The root cause is inadequate bounds checking when parsing image data structures. Malformed length fields, dimensions, or embedded metadata in a crafted image file cause the parser to write beyond the allocated buffer. This class of flaw is common in complex media parsers that handle attacker-controlled binary formats.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires local attack vector with user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious image through email, messaging, a website, or a shared file. When the user opens the image or when the operating system auto-generates a preview or thumbnail, the vulnerable parser processes the file and triggers the overflow. Chaining with a sandbox escape would be required to achieve full device compromise.

No verified code examples are available. Refer to the Apple security advisories for technical guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23286

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected crashes in image-handling processes such as ImageIO, Preview, QuickLook, or Messages
Presence of malformed image files (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIF) delivered via email attachments, messaging apps, or web downloads
Anomalous child processes spawned from applications that render images

Detection Strategies

Monitor endpoint telemetry for crash reports referencing ImageIO, CoreGraphics, or media parser libraries on macOS and iOS devices
Inspect email and web traffic for image attachments with abnormal structural properties or oversized headers
Correlate image file opens with subsequent process execution or network connections that deviate from baseline behavior

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable macOS Unified Logging and forward logs to a centralized SIEM for analysis of image parser errors
Track OS version inventory to identify devices running unpatched builds below iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, or corresponding fixed versions
Alert on repeated image parser crashes from the same user or device, which may indicate exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23286

Immediate Actions Required

Update all Apple devices to the fixed versions: iOS/iPadOS 16.7.6 or 17.4, macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Ventura 13.6.5, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and watchOS 10.4
Enforce automatic updates on managed devices through MDM policy
Advise users to avoid opening image attachments from untrusted senders until patching is confirmed

Patch Information

Apple released patches on March 5, 2024. Refer to the vendor advisories for each platform: Apple Support HT214081, HT214082, HT214083, HT214084, HT214085, HT214086, HT214087, and HT214088.

Workarounds

Disable automatic image previews in Mail and Messages where feasible
Restrict receipt of images from untrusted sources using MDM content filtering policies
Isolate unpatched legacy devices from sensitive network segments until updates are applied

bash

# Verify macOS version on endpoints
sw_vers -productVersion

# Trigger software update check
sudo softwareupdate -l
sudo softwareupdate -i -a --restart