iOS and iPadOS: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information
CVE-2024-44276 is a high-severity cleartext transmission of sensitive information vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 18.2 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 18.2 or a later version.
- Update iPadOS to 18.2 or a later version.
- Update Iphone OS to 18.2 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 18.2 | 18.2 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 18.2 | 18.2 |
| Apple | Iphone OS | before 18.2 | 18.2 |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
This issue was addressed by using HTTPS when sending information over the network. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2. A user in a privileged network position may be able to leak sensitive information.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information
The product transmits sensitive or security-critical data in cleartext in a communication channel that can be sniffed by unauthorized actors.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Before transmitting, encrypt the data using reliable, confidentiality-protecting cryptographic protocols.
- When using web applications with SSL, use SSL for the entire session from login to logout, not just for the initial login page.
- When designing hardware platforms, ensure that approved encryption algorithms (such as those recommended by NIST) protect paths from security critical data to trusted user applications.
More Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information vulnerabilities (CWE-319)
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
- support.apple.com/en-us/121837Release Notes
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 Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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