CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-44258NVD status: Modified

iOS and iPadOS: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-44258 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access 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 17.7.1, 18.1 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 1.16% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update iOS and iPadOS to 17.7.1 or 18.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update tvOS to 18.1 or a later version.
  3. Update visionOS to 2.1 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 17.7.1; before 18.117.7.1, 18.1
AppletvOSbefore 18.118.1
ApplevisionOSbefore 2.12.1
Appleipadosbefore 17.7; 18.0 up to, but not including, 18.117.7, 18.1
Appleiphone_osbefore 17.7; 18.0 up to, but not including, 18.117.7, 18.1

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
NoneNo data is disclosed.
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:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

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

Official description

This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.7.1 and iPadOS 17.7.1, iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, tvOS 18.1, visionOS 2.1. Restoring a maliciously crafted backup file may lead to modification of protected system files.

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

The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in iOS and iPadOS

All iOS and iPadOS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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