CVE-2024-54507: Apple iPadOS Information Disclosure Vulnerability

CVE-2024-54507 Overview

CVE-2024-54507 is a type confusion vulnerability in the Apple kernel affecting iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. A local attacker running with standard user privileges can leverage the flaw to read arbitrary kernel memory. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. The weakness maps to CWE-843 (Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type) and CWE-125 (Out-of-Bounds Read). Exploitation requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction. Kernel memory disclosure typically exposes pointers, cryptographic material, and other sensitive data that attackers chain into full sandbox escapes or privilege escalation.

Critical Impact
A local attacker with user-level privileges can read kernel memory, exposing sensitive kernel data and defeating address space layout randomization (KASLR).

Affected Products

Apple iOS prior to 18.2
Apple iPadOS prior to 18.2
Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.2

Discovery Timeline

2025-01-27 - CVE-2024-54507 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-54507

Vulnerability Analysis

The defect is a type confusion condition in an Apple kernel component. Type confusion occurs when code interprets a memory region as one type while it actually holds another, bypassing the safety guarantees the compiler assumes. In this case, the mismatch leads to an out-of-bounds read into kernel memory, as reflected by the CWE-125 classification. Apple credits the fix to improved memory handling, indicating tighter type validation or bounds checking around the affected object handling path. The advisory confirms confidentiality impact only, with no integrity or availability consequences from this specific primitive.

Root Cause

Type confusion vulnerabilities in kernel code typically arise when object pointers are cast between incompatible structures without validating the underlying type tag. When the kernel accesses fields based on the assumed type, it reads memory beyond the true object bounds. Apple's advisory notes the root cause was mitigated with improved memory handling, consistent with adding stricter type checks or reworking the affected allocator path.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires a local attacker with user privileges running unprivileged code on the target device, such as a sandboxed application. The attacker triggers the vulnerable kernel path, forces the type confusion, and reads kernel memory contents returned through the confused object. Attackers commonly chain this primitive with a separate write primitive to achieve kernel code execution or sandbox escape. No user interaction is required.

See Apple's advisories for authoritative technical context: Apple Support Article 121837 and Apple Support Article 121839.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54507

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected kernel panics referencing type mismatch or out-of-bounds access in system diagnostic reports (/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/).
Sandboxed applications making unusual IOKit or Mach system calls that correlate with kernel object allocation churn.
Presence of unsigned or ad-hoc signed binaries invoking low-level kernel interfaces on managed endpoints.

Detection Strategies

Inventory Apple endpoints and flag any device running iOS or iPadOS below 18.2, or macOS Sequoia below 15.2.
Monitor endpoint telemetry for processes generating repeated kernel diagnostics or EXC_BAD_ACCESS traces originating from user-mode applications.
Correlate mobile device management (MDM) compliance data with software update posture to identify unpatched fleet segments.

Monitoring Recommendations

Ingest macOS unified logs and iOS crash reports into a central analytics platform for kernel fault trend analysis.
Alert on non-standard software installing kernel extensions or invoking rare Mach traps on macOS Sequoia hosts.
Track privileged file access to /var/db/diagnostics and system logs that could indicate an attacker clearing evidence of failed exploitation attempts.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54507

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade all iPhone and iPad devices to iOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.2 through Settings > General > Software Update.
Upgrade Mac systems to macOS Sequoia 15.2 using System Settings > General > Software Update.
Enforce update compliance through MDM policies and block non-compliant devices from sensitive corporate resources.
Audit installed applications and remove untrusted third-party software that could deliver a local exploit.

Patch Information

Apple released fixes in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 on the coordinated release cycle covered by Apple Support Article 121837 and Apple Support Article 121839. The fix strengthens memory handling in the affected kernel component to prevent the type confusion condition.

Workarounds

No vendor-supplied workaround exists; applying the security update is the only supported remediation.
Restrict installation of unsigned or unverified applications through Gatekeeper, Notarization requirements, and MDM allowlists.
Enable Lockdown Mode on high-risk iOS and macOS accounts to reduce the attack surface exposed to local exploits.

bash

# Verify macOS build version on managed endpoints
sw_vers -productVersion

# Query iOS/iPadOS OS version via MDM (example using an MDM query)
# Ensure returned OSVersion >= 18.2 for iOS/iPadOS and >= 15.2 for macOS Sequoia