CVE-2024-40771: Apple iPadOS RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-40771 Overview

CVE-2024-40771 is a kernel-level memory handling vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. A malicious application running on an affected device can exploit the flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple resolved the issue through improved memory handling in a coordinated set of security updates spanning iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. The Common Weakness Enumeration classification maps to [CWE-863] (Incorrect Authorization). The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, and does not require user interaction.

Critical Impact
A local application can escalate to kernel privileges, granting complete control over the operating system, including the ability to disable security controls, install persistent implants, and access all user data.

Affected Products

Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.8 and 17.5
Apple macOS Monterey prior to 12.7.5, Ventura prior to 13.6.7, and Sonoma prior to 14.5
Apple tvOS prior to 17.5, visionOS prior to 1.2, and watchOS prior to 10.5

Discovery Timeline

2025-01-15 - CVE-2024-40771 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-40771

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-40771 is a kernel vulnerability rooted in flawed memory handling within an Apple XNU kernel component. Apple's advisories describe the resolution as improved memory handling, indicating that the pre-patch code path mismanaged memory objects reachable from user space. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution at the kernel privilege level.

The issue is exploitable locally by an application already running on the device. That application does not require elevated privileges beyond those granted to a standard installed process. Because kernel code executes with unrestricted access to memory, hardware, and system state, exploitation collapses process, sandbox, and user boundaries in a single step.

Apple's dual classification with [CWE-863] (Incorrect Authorization) also suggests the memory handling defect enables operations that should have been rejected by kernel access checks.

Root Cause

Apple did not publish source-level detail. The vendor states the issue was addressed with improved memory handling, which typically indicates errors such as use-after-free, out-of-bounds access, or unchecked object lifetimes in kernel structures reachable through system calls or IOKit interfaces.

Attack Vector

An attacker must first deliver and run code on the target device, for example through a malicious App Store or sideloaded application, a compromised developer tool, or a chained browser exploit. Once running, the app invokes the vulnerable kernel interface to corrupt memory and pivot to kernel-mode execution. Remote or unauthenticated exploitation over the network is not applicable.

No public proof-of-concept exploit or exploit-database entry is currently associated with this CVE, and it is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-40771

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected kernel panics or repeated com.apple.xnu crash reports referencing memory corruption in system diagnostic logs
Unsigned or ad-hoc-signed processes issuing unusual volumes of IOKit or Mach system calls
New launch daemons, launch agents, or kernel extensions introduced immediately after suspicious application execution
Devices running Apple operating systems below the fixed versions listed in the affected products section

Detection Strategies

Inventory endpoints and mobile devices for OS build numbers below the patched releases and flag any device that remains out of compliance.
Alert on applications spawning from non-standard directories or lacking valid Apple notarization signatures.
Correlate kernel panic events with the process most recently active on the device to identify potential exploitation attempts.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Apple Endpoint Security framework events and Unified Log kernel messages to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation.
Monitor Mobile Device Management (MDM) compliance dashboards for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS patch levels.
Track privilege escalation and persistence behaviors on macOS endpoints, including modifications to /Library/LaunchDaemons and loading of unsigned kernel extensions.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-40771

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade all Apple devices to at least the fixed versions: iOS/iPadOS 16.7.8 or 17.5, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, and watchOS 10.5.
Enforce update compliance through MDM policies and block non-compliant devices from sensitive resources.
Restrict installation of unsigned or sideloaded applications on managed endpoints and enable Gatekeeper on macOS.

Patch Information

Apple released fixes across the affected operating systems in a coordinated update batch. Refer to the vendor bulletins for build numbers and device compatibility: Apple Security Advisory 120898, Apple Security Advisory 120899, Apple Security Advisory 120900, Apple Security Advisory 120901, Apple Security Advisory 120902, Apple Security Advisory 120903, Apple Security Advisory 120905, and Apple Security Advisory 120906.

Workarounds

No vendor-supplied workaround exists; applying the security update is the only supported remediation.
Reduce exposure by removing untrusted third-party applications and restricting local user installation privileges until patching is complete.
On macOS, keep System Integrity Protection (SIP) enabled and disallow loading of third-party kernel extensions where feasible.

bash

# Verify current macOS version and confirm it is at or above the patched build
sw_vers -productVersion

# Check for pending Apple software updates and install them non-interactively
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart