iOS and iPadOS: Access of Memory Location Before Start of Buffer
CVE-2024-27828 is a high-severity access of memory location before start of buffer vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 17.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating iOS and iPadOS to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.27% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update iOS and iPadOS to 17.5 or a later version.
- Update tvOS to 17.5 or a later version.
- Update visionOS to 1.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | iOS and iPadOS | before 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Apple | tvOS | before 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Apple | visionOS | before 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Apple | watchOS | before 10.5 | 10.5 |
| Apple | iphone_os | before 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Apple | ipad_os | before 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 17.5 | 17.5 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.0 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, watchOS 10.5. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Memory Location Before Start of Buffer
The product reads or writes to a buffer using an index or pointer that references a memory location prior to the beginning of the buffer.
More Access of Memory Location Before Start of Buffer vulnerabilities (CWE-786)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jun/5Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in iOS and iPadOS
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Access of Memory Location Before Start of Buffer vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
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