CVE-2024-27841: Apple iPadOS Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2024-27841 Overview

CVE-2024-27841 is a memory handling flaw affecting Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Sonoma. A local application can leverage improper memory management to read kernel memory contents that should remain isolated from user-space processes. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling in iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5. The weakness maps to [CWE-284] (Improper Access Control) and enables information disclosure that can support subsequent exploitation stages such as kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) bypass.

Critical Impact
A local app can disclose kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive data and weakening kernel-level exploit mitigations on 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

Discovery Timeline

2024-05-14 - CVE-2024-27841 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-27841

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-27841 is an information disclosure flaw rooted in improper memory handling within an Apple operating system component. A locally installed application can trigger the flawed code path and receive data that originates in kernel memory. Apple's advisory attributes the fix to improved memory handling, indicating the original code failed to properly initialize, bound, or sanitize memory returned to user space.

Exploitation requires local access and some form of user interaction, according to the attack vector metadata. The scope remains unchanged, meaning the disclosure occurs within the security boundary the vulnerable component controls. Impact is limited to confidentiality; integrity and availability are not affected. See the Apple Support Article HT214101 and Apple Support Article HT214106 for vendor details.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper memory handling, categorized under [CWE-284] Improper Access Control. Kernel memory contents that should never cross the user-kernel boundary become accessible through a specific API or code path invoked by an unprivileged app. Apple's remediation strengthens memory handling, which typically involves zero-initializing buffers, tightening bounds checks, or validating structure sizes before copying data to user space.

Attack Vector

An attacker must first place a malicious application on the target device. The app then invokes the vulnerable interface to read residual or unauthorized kernel memory. Disclosed contents may include pointers useful for defeating KASLR, cryptographic material, or other privileged data. This primitive is commonly chained with a memory corruption bug to achieve full kernel compromise. Public exploit code is not available at this time.

// No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available for CVE-2024-27841.
// Refer to Apple's advisories for technical remediation details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27841

Indicators of Compromise

Installation of unsigned or sideloaded applications on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS devices running versions below 17.5 or 14.5.
Applications making unusual syscall patterns or repeatedly invoking low-level system APIs that return kernel-derived data.
Crash reports referencing kernel memory access from third-party processes prior to patching.

Detection Strategies

Inventory Apple endpoints and identify systems still running iOS, iPadOS below 17.5 or macOS Sonoma below 14.5.
Monitor Mobile Device Management (MDM) telemetry for OS version compliance and flag out-of-date devices.
Review installed application inventories for unsanctioned software with elevated system access requirements.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry on macOS to capture process behavior and API usage anomalies.
Correlate crash log submissions and diagnostic reports for signs of kernel memory faults tied to specific apps.
Track application code signing status and provenance across managed devices.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27841

Immediate Actions Required

Update iOS and iPadOS devices to version 17.5 or later without delay.
Update macOS Sonoma systems to version 14.5 or later.
Restrict installation of untrusted third-party applications on managed Apple devices.
Enforce OS version compliance through MDM policies and block noncompliant devices from sensitive resources.

Patch Information

Apple released fixes in iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5. Consult the Apple Support Document #120903 and Apple Support Document #120905 for the complete list of addressed CVEs and installation guidance. Additional context is available in the Full Disclosure Mailing List Post.

Workarounds

No vendor-supplied workaround exists; apply the security update as the primary remediation.
Limit device exposure by disallowing installation of applications outside vetted enterprise channels.
Apply the principle of least privilege for applications requesting sensitive entitlements or system-level APIs.

bash

# Verify macOS version on managed endpoints
sw_vers -productVersion

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