CVE-2024-27796: Apple iPadOS Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2024-27796 Overview

CVE-2024-27796 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Apple addressed the issue with improved checks across multiple platform releases in May 2024. An attacker with local access may be able to elevate privileges on a vulnerable device.

The flaw is categorized under [CWE-1325] (improperly controlled sequential memory allocation) and requires user interaction to exploit. Apple published fixes in iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, and macOS Ventura 13.6.7.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to elevate privileges, resulting in high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Affected Products

Apple iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 16.7.8 and 17.5)
Apple macOS Monterey (versions prior to 12.7.5), macOS Ventura (versions prior to 13.6.7), and macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.5)
Apple iPhone and iPad devices running the affected iOS/iPadOS builds

Discovery Timeline

2024-05-14 - CVE-2024-27796 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-27796

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-27796 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability that Apple resolved by introducing improved checks in affected components. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, meaning an attacker must already have the ability to run code on the device and induce a user to perform an action that triggers the vulnerable code path.

Apple's advisory language ("the issue was addressed with improved checks") indicates a validation gap in a privileged code path. Once triggered, the flaw permits an attacker to gain higher privileges than initially granted, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected device.

Root Cause

The root cause is associated with [CWE-1325] (improperly controlled sequential memory allocation). Apple has not published detailed root-cause analysis, but the remediation approach suggests missing or insufficient validation of resource allocation or state transitions in a privileged operation. Improper checks in these paths allow an unprivileged local process to influence privileged execution.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local. An attacker must first execute code on the target device, typically through a malicious application or a chained exploit. The attacker then leverages the vulnerable component to elevate privileges beyond the sandbox or user context. User interaction is required, which lowers the risk of fully automated exploitation but does not eliminate the threat in targeted scenarios.

No public proof-of-concept exploit and no CISA KEV listing exists for this CVE as of the last NVD update. Technical details are limited to Apple's advisories. See the Apple Support Advisory #120898 and Apple Support Advisory #120903 for vendor guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27796

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected privilege escalation events on macOS, iOS, or iPadOS devices, particularly processes running with root or system entitlements that were spawned from user-context applications.
Installation or execution of unsigned or newly signed applications from non-App Store sources immediately preceding privilege changes.
Unusual persistence mechanisms including new LaunchDaemons, LaunchAgents, or configuration profiles created shortly after user interaction with a suspicious application.

Detection Strategies

Monitor Endpoint Security framework events on macOS for anomalous process ancestry, particularly child processes inheriting elevated entitlements from user-level parents.
Track OS version and build number across the mobile and macOS fleet to identify devices still running vulnerable releases below the fixed versions.
Correlate application installation events with subsequent privileged file system, keychain, or system configuration changes.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable unified logging and forward os_log and Endpoint Security telemetry to a central analytics platform for retrospective hunting.
Alert on modifications to /Library/LaunchDaemons, /Library/LaunchAgents, and system-protected paths originating from non-Apple signed binaries.
Baseline expected privileged process behavior per device role so that deviations trigger investigation.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27796

Immediate Actions Required

Update all iPhone and iPad devices to iOS 16.7.8, iPadOS 16.7.8, iOS 17.5, or iPadOS 17.5 as appropriate for the hardware generation.
Update macOS endpoints to macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, or macOS Sonoma 14.5.
Prioritize patching devices used by administrators, developers, and users with elevated data access.
Restrict installation of applications from outside the App Store and enforce Gatekeeper policies until patches are deployed.

Patch Information

Apple released patches on May 13, 2024. Refer to the vendor advisories for full component and version details: Apple Support HT214100, Apple Support HT214101, Apple Support HT214105, Apple Support HT214106, and Apple Support HT214107.

Workarounds

No official workaround exists; applying the vendor patch is the only supported remediation.
Reduce exposure by limiting local application installation rights and enforcing mobile device management (MDM) policies that block untrusted profiles and sideloaded applications.
Enable automatic OS updates through MDM to accelerate deployment of the fixed releases across the fleet.

bash

# Verify current macOS build against the patched versions
sw_vers

# Trigger a software update check on macOS
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart