CVE-2024-44207: Apple iPadOS Audio Privacy Vulnerability

CVE-2024-44207 Overview

This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1. Audio messages in Messages may be able to capture a few seconds of audio before the microphone indicator is activated.

Critical Impact

Audio messages inadvertently recording without user consent

Affected Products

• apple ipados
• apple iphone_os

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to apple
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-44207 assigned
• Not Available - apple releases security patch
• 2024-10-04T00:15:02.637 - CVE CVE-2024-44207 published to NVD
• 2025-11-03T22:18:25.747 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-44207

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability in audio recording allows the Messages application on affected Apple devices to record ambient sound without the user’s immediate awareness before the microphone indicator is activated. This presents a potential privacy concern as the audio capture begins slightly earlier than expected.

Root Cause

The issue stems from a timing discrepancy in triggering the microphone indicator post the commencement of recording.

Attack Vector

Network

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
function bypassIndicator() {
    // Hypothetical function to illustrate timing issue
    startAudioCapture();
    alert('Microphone active indicator delayed');
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44207

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected audio files in storage
• Unusual application activity logs
• Notification of microphone use without user action

Detection Strategies

Utilizing endpoint monitoring tools to flag unexpected recording activities and reviewing application logs for anomalous timestamp discrepancies.

Monitoring Recommendations

Set up alerts for audio file modifications and use continuous monitoring to track microphone activation states across devices.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44207

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all devices to iOS 18.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1
• Review and audit application permissions relating to microphone access
• Implement strict alerting for suspicious audio activity

Patch Information

Users should apply the updates provided by Apple in iOS 18.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1, available through the standard update process.

Workarounds

Manually disable microphone permissions for the Messages app as a temporary precaution.

# Configuration example
osascript -e "tell application \"System Events\" to set the microphone access of \"Messages\" to false"