CVE-2024-27802 Overview
CVE-2024-27802 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution. Apple addressed the issue through improved input validation across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The flaw requires local access and user interaction, but successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Apple published fixes in coordinated security updates on multiple platform versions.
Critical Impact
Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution on affected Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (fixed in 16.7.8 and 17.5)
- Apple macOS Monterey 12.7.5, Ventura 13.6.7, and Sonoma 14.5
- Apple tvOS 17.5 and visionOS 1.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-06-10 - CVE-2024-27802 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-27802
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read condition classified under [CWE-125] with an associated out-of-bounds write component [CWE-787]. When a vulnerable Apple component parses a maliciously crafted file, it reads memory outside the allocated buffer boundaries. Depending on the memory layout, this can leak sensitive data, cause the processing application to terminate unexpectedly, or in exploitable conditions lead to arbitrary code execution.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction, typically opening or previewing a crafted file. Apple's advisory does not identify the specific component; the fix consists of improved input validation applied across parsing logic in the affected operating systems.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input validation on structured file data. The parser trusted length or offset fields in the file without bounds-checking against the actual buffer size. This allowed reads beyond the allocated region and, under certain conditions, adjacent memory corruption.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a maliciously crafted file to a target user through email, messaging, web download, or an untrusted local source. When the user opens the file with a vulnerable Apple application or system service, the parser processes attacker-controlled data. Exploitation may result in application crash or code execution in the context of the processing application. See the Apple security advisory for the affected platform details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27802
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected termination or repeated crashes of Apple applications when opening specific files
- Crash reports in ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ referencing memory access faults such as EXC_BAD_ACCESS (KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS)
- Delivery of unsolicited attachments or downloads immediately preceding application instability
- Presence of unsigned or unusually structured media, document, or archive files from untrusted sources
Detection Strategies
- Collect and centralize macOS and iOS crash logs to identify recurring parser faults tied to file processing.
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for process crashes correlated with file open events from newly delivered content.
- Track OS build and version inventory to identify devices running versions prior to iOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, or the other patched releases.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Apple Endpoint Security telemetry into a centralized SIEM to correlate file access, process launch, and crash events.
- Alert on high-frequency EXC_BAD_ACCESS events from user-facing applications shortly after file downloads.
- Audit mobile device management (MDM) reports weekly to confirm patch adoption across the fleet.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27802
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to the fixed versions: iOS/iPadOS 16.7.8, iOS/iPadOS 17.5, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, and visionOS 1.2.
- Prioritize patching devices that regularly process files from external or untrusted sources.
- Verify patch deployment through MDM inventory reporting and remediate non-compliant endpoints.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in the security updates documented across advisories HT214100, HT214101, HT214102, HT214105, HT214106, HT214107, and HT214108. The fix consists of improved input validation in the affected parsing logic.
Workarounds
- Do not open files from unknown or untrusted sources until updates are applied.
- Restrict file previews and automatic file handling in mail and messaging applications via configuration profiles.
- Enforce MDM policies requiring minimum OS versions matching the patched releases.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
