CVE-2024-27816: Apple iPadOS Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2024-27816 Overview

CVE-2024-27816 is a logic issue vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems that could allow an attacker to access user data without authorization. The vulnerability stems from improper validation checks within the system, which Apple addressed by implementing improved logic controls. This flaw requires local access and user interaction to exploit, but successful exploitation could result in unauthorized disclosure of confidential user information.

Critical Impact

An attacker with local access could exploit this logic flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data across affected Apple devices.

Affected Products

• Apple iOS (versions prior to 17.5)
• Apple iPadOS (versions prior to 17.5)
• Apple macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.5)
• Apple tvOS (versions prior to 17.5)
• Apple watchOS (versions prior to 10.5)

Discovery Timeline

• May 14, 2024 - CVE-2024-27816 published to NVD
• December 12, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-27816

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents a logic issue within Apple's operating systems that failed to properly validate certain conditions before granting access to user data. The flaw exists in the data access control mechanisms, where insufficient or improper checks allowed attackers to bypass intended security restrictions. While the attack requires local access to the device and some form of user interaction (such as opening a malicious file or application), successful exploitation could lead to significant confidentiality breaches.

The vulnerability affects the entire Apple ecosystem spanning mobile devices (iOS, iPadOS), desktop systems (macOS Sonoma), wearables (watchOS), and entertainment platforms (tvOS), demonstrating a shared code component across these platforms that contained the flawed logic.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-27816 lies in inadequate validation logic within Apple's data protection framework. The affected component failed to properly enforce access control checks under certain conditions, creating a path for unauthorized data access. Apple's remediation involved implementing "improved checks" to ensure proper validation occurs before granting access to protected user data.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning an attacker needs either physical access to the device or the ability to execute code locally (such as through a malicious application). The exploitation requires user interaction, which could manifest as:

• A user installing and running a malicious application
• Opening a specially crafted file that triggers the vulnerability
• Interacting with malicious content that leverages the logic flaw

Once the vulnerability is triggered, the attacker can access user data that should otherwise be protected by the operating system's security controls. The attack does not require any special privileges to execute, making it accessible to any local attacker who can achieve user interaction.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27816

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual application behavior attempting to access protected user data directories or sandboxed resources
• Unexpected file access patterns from applications that should not have permissions to certain data stores
• System log entries indicating access attempts to user data from unexpected processes

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for applications attempting to read sensitive user data outside their normal scope of permissions
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify processes accessing protected data stores without proper entitlements
• Review installed applications for those not distributed through official Apple channels (App Store, TestFlight)

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive system logging on managed Apple devices to track file and data access events
• Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor application installations and behaviors
• Implement SentinelOne Singularity platform for real-time behavioral analysis and threat detection across Apple endpoints

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27816

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all affected Apple devices to the patched versions: iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5
• Review recently installed applications for any suspicious or unauthorized software
• Enable automatic updates on all Apple devices to ensure timely application of future security patches
• Restrict installation of applications to those from trusted sources only

Patch Information

Apple has released security updates addressing this vulnerability across all affected platforms. Detailed patch information is available through the following official Apple Security Advisories:

• Apple Support Article HT214101 - iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5
• Apple Support Article HT214102 - macOS Sonoma 14.5
• Apple Support Article HT214104 - watchOS 10.5
• Apple Support Article HT214106 - tvOS 17.5

Additional disclosure information can be found in the Full Disclosure mailing list archives.

Workarounds

• Avoid installing applications from unknown or untrusted sources until patches can be applied
• Limit device usage to essential applications and services on unpatched systems
• Consider restricting user accounts on shared devices to minimize potential exposure
• Monitor device behavior for any anomalous activity and investigate accordingly

# Verify current OS versions on Apple devices
# For iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Software Version
# Ensure version is 17.5 or later

# For macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac
# Ensure macOS Sonoma version is 14.5 or later

# Enable automatic updates on macOS
sudo softwareupdate --schedule on

# Check for available updates
softwareupdate --list