CVE-2024-27789: Apple iPadOS Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2024-27789 Overview

CVE-2024-27789 is a logic flaw in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that allows a malicious application to access user-sensitive data. Apple addressed the issue with improved checks across multiple operating system updates. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, making it relevant in scenarios where untrusted apps are installed on a target device. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-922] Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information.

Critical Impact
A malicious app installed on an affected Apple device can read user-sensitive data that should be protected by the operating system's access control model.

Affected Products

Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.8
Apple macOS Monterey prior to 12.7.5 and macOS Ventura prior to 13.6.7
Apple macOS Sonoma prior to 14.4

Discovery Timeline

2024-05-14 - CVE-2024-27789 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-27789

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from a logic issue in how affected Apple operating systems enforce checks on access to user-sensitive data. Apple's advisory describes the condition as a logic flaw addressed through improved validation. An application running with standard, non-privileged permissions can exploit the missing checks to reach data outside the boundaries of its sandbox or entitlement scope.

The weakness is classified as [CWE-922] Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information. This category covers cases where sensitive data is stored or exposed in a manner that does not adequately restrict who or what can read it. In this CVE, the exposure path depends on local code execution by an installed application and user interaction with the affected workflow.

Successful exploitation results in disclosure of user-sensitive data without integrity or availability impact. Apple has not publicly disclosed the specific subsystem or data type involved beyond the language in its security advisories HT214084, HT214100, HT214105, and HT214107.

Root Cause

The root cause is a logic error in the access-control checks applied to user-sensitive data. The pre-patch code path did not adequately verify the caller's authorization before returning protected information.

Attack Vector

An attacker must place a malicious application on the target device, typically through sideloading, social engineering, or distribution through a compromised account. The application then triggers the vulnerable code path during normal use. No network access or elevated privileges are required.

No verified proof-of-concept code is available for CVE-2024-27789. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose only; consult the Apple Support Document HT214084 and related advisories for vendor technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27789

Indicators of Compromise

Installation of unsigned or unexpected applications on managed iOS, iPadOS, or macOS endpoints, particularly outside approved distribution channels.
Unexpected access by third-party applications to user data stores, keychain entries, or protected resources logged through Endpoint Security or Unified Logs.
Devices running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS versions below the patched releases (16.7.8, 12.7.5, 13.6.7, 14.4) that also exhibit anomalous app activity.

Detection Strategies

Inventory all Apple endpoints and compare installed OS versions against the patched baselines documented in Apple's security advisories.
Use mobile device management (MDM) policies and macOS Endpoint Security framework telemetry to identify applications requesting access to sensitive data outside their declared entitlements.
Correlate application installation events with subsequent access attempts to user data directories and protected APIs.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward macOS Unified Log and iOS MDM compliance events to a centralized logging or SIEM platform for retention and analysis.
Alert on applications that gain Full Disk Access, Accessibility, or other sensitive entitlements after installation.
Track installed app inventories and flag unsigned, ad-hoc, or enterprise-distributed binaries on production devices.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27789

Immediate Actions Required

Update affected devices to iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, or macOS Sonoma 14.4 or later.
Enforce automatic OS updates through MDM for managed Apple fleets to close the window of exposure.
Audit installed applications and remove any that are unsigned, unknown, or no longer required for business use.

Patch Information

Apple released fixes in iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, and macOS Sonoma 14.4. Patch details are documented in Apple Support Document HT214084, HT214100, HT214105, and HT214107.

Workarounds

Restrict application installation to the Apple App Store and approved MDM-managed catalogs.
Disable sideloading and enterprise developer profile installation on managed devices via configuration profiles.
Apply the principle of least privilege when granting Privacy & Security permissions such as Full Disk Access, Files and Folders, and Accessibility.

bash

# Verify patched OS versions on Apple endpoints
# macOS
sw_vers -productVersion

# iOS / iPadOS (via MDM query or Settings > General > About)
# Confirm version is >= 16.7.8, 12.7.5, 13.6.7, or 14.4 as applicable