CVE-2024-40799

Vulnerability

CVE-2024-40799 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Apple's core processing of files. The root cause is insufficient input validation, which can be triggered when the system handles a maliciously crafted file [1]. This issue affects a wide range of Apple platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS [1][2].

Exploitation

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to deliver a specially crafted file to a user's device. The file could be delivered through various means, such as email, a website, or direct file transfer. No special permissions beyond normal file access are required for the application that processes the file. The out-of-bounds read occurs during file parsing, leading to unpredictable behavior [1][2].

Impact

The primary impact of successfully exploiting this vulnerability is unexpected app termination. This constitutes a denial-of-service (DoS) condition, potentially disrupting user productivity or causing data loss if the application was in the middle of an operation. There is no indication that this bug leads to arbitrary code execution or data exposure based on the available information [1][2].

Mitigation

Apple has addressed this issue in the following software releases: 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, and watchOS 10.6 [1][2][4]. Users are strongly advised to update to these latest versions to protect against potential exploitation.