CVE-2024-44252 Overview
CVE-2024-44252 is a logic flaw in Apple's backup restoration handling across multiple operating systems. Restoring a maliciously crafted backup file can lead to modification of protected system files, undermining the platform's System Integrity Protection guarantees. Apple addressed the issue by improving file handling logic in iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction to trigger the restore operation, but it can be used to compromise integrity and availability of the affected device.
Critical Impact
A crafted backup file, once restored, can overwrite files normally protected by the operating system, enabling persistence and tampering with trusted OS components.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to 17.7.1 and prior to 18.1
- Apple tvOS prior to 18.1
- Apple visionOS prior to 2.1
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-28 - CVE-2024-44252 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2024-10-28 - Apple published advisories 121563, 121566, 121567, and 121569
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-44252
Vulnerability Analysis
The issue is a logic error in how Apple's operating systems process backup archives during a restore operation. When a user restores a backup, the system reconstructs application data, user files, and configuration state from the archive. The affected code paths did not correctly enforce restrictions on which destination paths a restored file may occupy. As a result, a specifically crafted archive can direct writes into locations reserved for protected system files. This category of flaw falls under file system and business logic issues rather than a memory-safety defect.
Root Cause
Apple describes the fix as "improved file handling," indicating that the pre-patch restore workflow trusted metadata inside the backup archive when placing files. Insufficient validation of destination paths, file types, or ownership attributes during restore allowed the archive to influence writes outside the intended application-data sandbox. The fix tightens these checks so the restore process cannot be redirected to protected locations.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access and user interaction: the target must initiate a restore using an attacker-supplied backup. An attacker who convinces a user to restore a crafted backup, or who has temporary local access to stage one, can modify protected system files. Successful exploitation impacts integrity and availability of the device, potentially enabling persistence, bypass of platform protections, or denial of service through corruption of critical files. Confidentiality is not directly impacted according to the CVSS vector.
No public proof-of-concept or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported. Additional technical discussion is available in the Full Disclosure archive.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44252
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected modification timestamps on system files or protected directories following a device restore.
- Presence of unfamiliar .ipsw or backup archive files staged on managed devices or backup hosts.
- Restore events initiated from unmanaged hosts or outside of approved MDM workflows.
Detection Strategies
- Correlate iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and visionOS version telemetry from mobile device management (MDM) inventories to identify devices running versions earlier than 17.7.1, 18.1, or 2.1.
- Alert on backup restore events performed via iTunes, Finder, or idevicebackup2 on endpoints where those workflows are not authorized.
- Review device attestation and integrity reports for anomalies indicating modification of protected system files.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track host-based file activity on macOS and Windows systems that store or handle iOS backup archives for organization-owned devices.
- Monitor MDM compliance reports for devices that fall behind the fixed OS versions.
- Log and review physical or USB-connected sessions to managed iOS and iPadOS devices.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44252
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Apple devices to iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, tvOS 18.1, or visionOS 2.1 or later.
- Enforce the patched versions through MDM compliance policies and block enrollment of devices below the fixed baseline.
- Restrict backup restoration workflows to trusted hosts and known-good archive sources.
Patch Information
Apple resolved the vulnerability by improving file handling in the restore code path. Refer to the official advisories: Apple Support 121563, Apple Support 121566, Apple Support 121567, and Apple Support 121569.
Workarounds
- Do not restore backups obtained from untrusted sources or unmanaged storage locations.
- Require physical device access controls and passcode enforcement to prevent unauthorized restore attempts.
- Store backup archives on hosts with endpoint protection and file integrity monitoring in place.
# Verify installed iOS/iPadOS version on a connected device
ideviceinfo -k ProductVersion
# Example MDM compliance rule (pseudocode)
# Flag devices where ProductVersion < 17.7.1 or (18.x and < 18.1)
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
