CVE-2024-27815 Overview
CVE-2024-27815 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting the Apple kernel across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. A malicious application can trigger the flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple resolved the issue in iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, and watchOS 10.5 through improved input validation.
The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, but successful exploitation delivers full kernel-level compromise of the host device. This class of kernel memory corruption is frequently chained with sandbox escapes in real-world attack scenarios targeting Apple platforms.
Critical Impact
An application running on a vulnerable Apple device can achieve arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, bypassing platform security boundaries including the App Sandbox.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.5
- Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.5
- Apple tvOS prior to 17.5, visionOS prior to 1.2, and watchOS prior to 10.5
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-06-10 - CVE-2024-27815 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-27815
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-27815 is a kernel-level out-of-bounds write [CWE-787]. Out-of-bounds write flaws occur when code writes data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. When such a flaw exists inside the kernel, an attacker can corrupt adjacent kernel memory structures.
Apple's advisory attributes the fix to improved input validation, indicating that user-supplied or attacker-controlled input reached a kernel path without adequate bounds checking. Because the write occurs in the kernel, corrupted memory can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers, credential structures, or page tables. The end result is arbitrary code execution at the highest privilege level available on the device.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation of input size or index values before performing a write operation in a kernel component. When the kernel processes a request from a user-mode application, it fails to constrain the write within the allocated buffer boundary, resulting in a linear or index-based overflow into adjacent memory.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access. A malicious application installed on the device must invoke the vulnerable kernel interface with crafted parameters. User interaction is required, typically in the form of installing or launching the malicious application. Once executed, the app triggers the out-of-bounds write to escalate from user-mode process context to kernel context, bypassing sandbox restrictions.
For implementation-specific details on the affected component, refer to the Apple Support Documentation and the Full Disclosure Security Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27815
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or system reboots correlated with the launch of newly installed or updated applications
- Applications making anomalous system calls or performing repeated failed IOKit or Mach interface interactions
- Presence of unsigned, sideloaded, or enterprise-provisioned applications on managed devices running unpatched OS versions
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Apple endpoints and flag devices running iOS/iPadOS below 17.5, macOS Sonoma below 14.5, tvOS below 17.5, visionOS below 1.2, or watchOS below 10.5
- Correlate crash reports and panic.ips files on macOS with process attribution to identify applications triggering kernel faults
- Monitor MDM compliance telemetry for devices that fall behind the patched OS baseline
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest macOS Unified Logs and endpoint telemetry into a centralized analytics platform to detect kernel-level anomalies
- Track application installation events from non-App Store sources on managed devices
- Alert on repeated kernel panics originating from the same signed or unsigned application bundle identifier
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27815
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all affected Apple devices to iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, or watchOS 10.5 or later
- Enforce OS version compliance through Mobile Device Management (MDM) and block non-compliant devices from sensitive resources
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications and enable Gatekeeper and Notarization enforcement on macOS endpoints
Patch Information
Apple released fixes across its platforms in May 2024. Reference the vendor advisories for each platform: macOS Sonoma 14.5, iOS and iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, and watchOS 10.5.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; installing the security update is the only supported remediation
- Reduce attack surface by limiting application installation to the Apple App Store and vetted enterprise catalogs
- Apply Lockdown Mode on high-risk user accounts to reduce exposure of kernel-adjacent attack surfaces on supported devices
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
