iOS 17.5 and Later Fixes Bypass Pointer Authentication Vulnerability
CVE-2024-27834

5.5MEDIUM

Key Information:

Vendor: Apple
Status: Safari; iOS And iPad OS; Mac OS; TV OS
Vendor: CVE Published:; 14 May 2024

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What is CVE-2024-27834?

CVE-2024-27834 is a vulnerability found in several Apple operating systems, including iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, Safari 17.5, watchOS 10.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5. This vulnerability allows attackers with arbitrary read and write capabilities to bypass Pointer Authentication, a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access and tampering with memory addresses. The bypassing of Pointer Authentication can have severe consequences for user data integrity and system security, as it opens up the potential for exploitation through various attack vectors, thus allowing malicious actors to execute arbitrary code and potentially compromise devices.

Potential impact of CVE-2024-27834

Unauthorized Access and Data Compromise: The ability to bypass Pointer Authentication means that attackers can manipulate memory in a way that could allow them to access sensitive user data without permission. This could lead to significant data breaches, exposing personal information and other confidential data held on affected devices.
Arbitrary Code Execution: By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers may gain the ability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This can lead to complete control over the device, allowing the installation of malware, creation of backdoors, and further exploitation of system vulnerabilities, potentially affecting a wide array of applications and services.
Increased Risk of Ransomware Attacks: The exploitability of CVE-2024-27834 may attract the attention of ransomware groups looking to leverage this weakness for financial gain. If attackers successfully exploit the vulnerability, they could deploy ransomware, encrypting critical files and demanding payment for decryption, thereby putting organizations at financial and operational risk.

CISA has reported CVE-2024-27834

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2024-27834 as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.