External risk intelligence

Apple Device Memory Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-23296

A memory corruption flaw in Apple operating systems allows an attacker with local access to bypass kernel memory protections. This could impact data integrity and system security for affected organizations. Apple has released updates to address this issue, and there are reports of it being exploited.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 16.7.817.0 to before 17.412.0 to before 12.7.613.0 to before 13.6.714.0 to before 14.4before 17.4before 1.1before 10.4

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-23296

The vulnerability resides within the kernel of Apple operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, etc.). Exploitation requires local access to the device to execute code, and it is not reachable or exploitable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption issue has been identified within Apple's operating systems. This flaw could allow an attacker with local access to bypass critical security protections within the system's core. Organizations using affected Apple devices may face significant risks to their data integrity and system security.

  • Vulnerable Apple operating systems
  • Core memory validation failure
  • Compromised data and system security

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A memory corruption issue in the kernel's RTKit component presents a pathway for attackers to bypass security protections. This vulnerability allows an attacker with the ability to read and write kernel memory to gain elevated privileges. Apple has acknowledged reports that this issue may have been exploited in the wild.

  • Requires local device access.
  • Attacker gains kernel read/write.
  • Bypasses kernel memory protections.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A memory corruption issue in Apple's operating systems could allow an attacker with kernel read and write access to bypass protections. This vulnerability has been addressed in recent updates. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited. Organizations should ensure their systems are updated to the latest versions to mitigate this risk.

  • Attacker skill: High.
  • Access needed: Local access to device.
  • Business risk: High; warrants urgent attention.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A memory corruption vulnerability has been identified in Apple operating systems. This issue could allow an attacker with local access to bypass kernel memory protections, posing a business risk. Apple has released updates to address this vulnerability.

  • Find affected Apple devices.
  • Reduce exposure by isolating risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and verify.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is the RTKit component in Apple operating systems?

RTKit is a core component in Apple operating systems like iOS and macOS responsible for fundamental system functions. A vulnerability within its memory validation processes could allow security bypasses.

What kind of weakness is CVE-2024-23296?

CVE-2024-23296 is a memory corruption vulnerability, specifically a heap buffer overflow (CWE-787). This allows data to exceed buffer boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory and leading to instability or security breaches.

How could an attacker exploit CVE-2024-23296?

An attacker with the ability to read and write kernel memory could exploit this vulnerability to bypass critical kernel memory protections on affected Apple devices.

What is the relevance of the Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2024-23296?

Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Very unlikely' exploitation risk because this vulnerability requires local device access and is not reachable over the internet, despite residing within the operating system's kernel.

What actions should be taken to address this vulnerability?

To mitigate this risk, identify all affected Apple devices, isolate any identified risks, apply the latest vendor security updates, and monitor for any related security incidents.

References