External risk intelligence

Apple Software Vulnerability May Allow Code Execution

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-44308

This vulnerability is client-side, requiring a user to process maliciously crafted web content within a browser or application. As it relies on user-initiated actions rather than a public-facing service or listener, it lacks the characteristics of an internet-facing network surface.

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The vulnerability exists in Apple's Safari browser and other products. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing specially crafted web content. This could lead to a compromise of affected systems and potential data loss or unauthorized access.

  • Vulnerable Apple products
  • Arbitrary code execution flaw
  • System compromise and data risk

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution when processing specially crafted web content. Organizations could face risks if systems encounter malicious web pages or content. Apple has indicated that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.

  • Exposure condition: Malicious web content is processed.
  • Attacker starting point: Public internet.
  • Trigger and result: User interaction leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content. Apple has indicated this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. The potential for widespread impact and reported active exploitation suggests a need for prompt attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with malicious content.
  • Business risk or urgency: High, as it is actively exploited.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing maliciously crafted web content. Apple has acknowledged reports of this issue being actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. The vendor has released updates to address this vulnerability.

  • Identify affected Apple devices and Debian Linux systems.
  • Isolate or restrict access to vulnerable systems.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify implementation.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What Apple software is impacted by CVE-2024-44308?

CVE-2024-44308 affects Apple's Safari browser, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS. Specific versions include Safari 18.1.1 and earlier, iOS/iPadOS 17.7.2 and earlier, iOS/iPadOS 18.1.1 and earlier, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 and earlier, and visionOS 2.1.1 and earlier. Debian Linux is also mentioned as affected.

How does CVE-2024-44308 allow code execution?

This vulnerability is an arbitrary code execution flaw. It can be triggered when a user processes specially crafted web content. This means an attacker could potentially run their own code on an affected device by luring a user to process malicious web content.

What is the potential impact of CVE-2024-44308?

Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. This can result in a complete compromise of the affected system, potentially leading to data loss or unauthorized access. Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.

What does Halo Surface Signal indicate about CVE-2024-44308's relevance?

Halo Surface Signal scores this vulnerability as 'Very unlikely' to be relevant. This is because it is client-side and requires user interaction to process malicious web content, rather than exploiting a public-facing service.

What is the recommended response to CVE-2024-44308?

Apple has released updates to address this vulnerability. Users should identify affected Apple devices and Debian Linux systems, isolate or restrict access to vulnerable systems, and apply vendor updates. Prompt attention is needed due to reported active exploitation.

References