CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-54525NVD status: Modified

iOS and iPadOS: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-54525 is a high-severity unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, 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 0.62% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 50% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update iOS and iPadOS to 18.2 or a later version.
  2. Update macOS to 15.2 or a later version.
  3. Update tvOS to 18.2 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  6. 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 18.218.2
ApplemacOSbefore 15.215.2
AppletvOSbefore 18.218.2
ApplevisionOSbefore 2.22.2
ApplewatchOSbefore 11.211.2
AppleiPadOSbefore 18.218.2
AppleIphone OSbefore 18.218.2

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
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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).

Official description

A logic issue was addressed with improved file handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, visionOS 2.2, watchOS 11.2. 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: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type

The product allows the upload or transfer of dangerous file types that are automatically processed within its environment.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Generate a new, unique filename for an uploaded file instead of using the user-supplied filename, so that no external input is used at all.
  • When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
  • Consider storing the uploaded files outside of the web document root entirely. Then, use other mechanisms to deliver the files dynamically.

More Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerabilities (CWE-434)

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

Other vulnerabilities in iOS and iPadOS

All iOS and iPadOS vulnerabilities

Recent Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerabilities

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