CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-40799NVD status: Modified

iOS and iPadOS: Out-of-bounds Read

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-40799 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 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 versions 16.7.9, 17.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating iOS and iPadOS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.43% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update iOS and iPadOS to 16.7.9 or 17.6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update macOS to 12.7.6 or 13.6.8 or 14.6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  3. Update tvOS to 17.6 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
AppleiOS and iPadOSbefore 16.7.9; before 17.616.7.9, 17.6
ApplemacOSbefore 12.7.6; before 13.6.8; before 14.612.7.6, 13.6.8, 14.6
AppletvOSbefore 17.617.6
ApplevisionOSbefore 1.31.3
ApplewatchOSbefore 10.610.6
AppleiPadOSbefore 16.7.9; 17.0 up to, but not including, 17.616.7.9, 17.6
AppleIphone OSbefore 16.7.9; 17.0 up to, but not including, 17.616.7.9, 17.6

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
NoneNothing can be modified.
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:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.1HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.1HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

An out-of-bounds read issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.7.9 and iPadOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, tvOS 17.6, visionOS 1.3, watchOS 10.6. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read

The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.

More Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities (CWE-125)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in iOS and iPadOS

All iOS and iPadOS vulnerabilities

Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities

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