CVE-2024-54523 Overview
CVE-2024-54523 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. A malicious application running locally on the device can corrupt coprocessor memory by supplying input that exceeds expected boundaries. Apple addressed the issue with improved bounds checks in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, and watchOS 11.2.
The flaw requires local access and user interaction, but successful exploitation impacts a scope beyond the vulnerable component. Coprocessor memory corruption can undermine integrity guarantees relied upon by higher-privilege system components across the Apple platform.
Critical Impact
A local application can corrupt coprocessor memory on affected Apple devices, undermining integrity of processing offloaded to the coprocessor.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to 18.2
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.2
- Apple tvOS prior to 18.2 and watchOS prior to 11.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-27 - CVE-2024-54523 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-54523
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in code paths that interact with an Apple coprocessor. Insufficient bounds checking allows a local application to submit data that writes past the intended memory region belonging to the coprocessor. Apple's advisory describes the fix as "improved bounds checks," indicating a classic out-of-bounds write pattern [CWE-787].
Because coprocessors handle security-relevant or performance-sensitive workloads, corrupting their memory can influence downstream operations trusted by the main operating system. The changed scope in the CVSS vector reflects that impact reaches components outside the vulnerable one.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or inadequate validation of size or offset parameters before writing to a coprocessor-accessible buffer. Without proper length enforcement, an attacker-controlled input can extend a write operation beyond the allocated region, overwriting adjacent state.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a locally installed application and user interaction. A malicious or compromised app invokes the vulnerable interface and passes crafted parameters that trigger the out-of-bounds write into coprocessor memory. No network access or elevated privileges are required to reach the vulnerable code path.
Apple has not published low-level technical details, and no public proof-of-concept is available. Refer to Apple's security advisories for platform-specific guidance: Apple Support Article #121837, Apple Support Article #121839, Apple Support Article #121843, and Apple Support Article #121844.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54523
Indicators of Compromise
- No public indicators of compromise have been published for CVE-2024-54523.
- Apple has not disclosed exploitation in the wild, and the CVE is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Apple endpoints and verify OS build numbers against the patched versions (iOS/iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2).
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) compliance reports for devices reporting pre-patch builds.
- Review installed third-party applications on managed macOS devices for unsigned or unexpected binaries that interact with low-level system frameworks.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable MDM-based OS version reporting and alert on devices lagging behind Apple's current security releases.
- Track application crash telemetry on macOS for anomalous faults involving coprocessor or driver components.
- Correlate app installation events with subsequent unexpected system reboots or kernel panics.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54523
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, or watchOS 11.2 or later.
- Prioritize devices that install applications from outside the App Store or run developer-signed builds.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM policy while patching is in progress.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes across affected platforms on December 11, 2024. Consult Apple Support Article #121837, Apple Support Article #121839, Apple Support Article #121843, and Apple Support Article #121844 for the specific bulletin covering each operating system.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation.
- Limit installation of applications to trusted sources such as the App Store until updates are deployed.
- Enforce MDM configurations that block sideloading and require current OS baselines for corporate access.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
