CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-40805NVD status: Modified

iOS and iPadOS: Incorrect Default Permissions

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-40805 is a high-severity incorrect default permissions 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 version 17.6 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 0.24% 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 17.6 or a later version.
  2. Update macOS to 14.6 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 17.617.6
ApplemacOSbefore 14.6; 14.0 up to, but not including, 14.614.6
AppletvOSbefore 17.617.6
ApplewatchOSbefore 10.610.6
Appleiosbefore 17.617.6
Appleipad_osbefore 17.617.6
AppleiPadOSbefore 17.617.6
AppleIphone OSbefore 17.617.6

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
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
NoneAvailability is not affected.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.1HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.7HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, tvOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6. An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences.

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

The underlying weakness: Incorrect Default Permissions

During installation, installed file permissions are set to allow anyone to modify those files.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • The architecture needs to access and modification attributes for files to only those users who actually require those actions.
  • Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.

More Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerabilities (CWE-276)

Timeline

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

References

Other vulnerabilities in iOS and iPadOS

All iOS and iPadOS vulnerabilities

Recent Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerabilities

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