Apple Fixes Issue Allowing Apps to Access Sensitive User Data

CVE-2024-44131

5.5MEDIUM

Key Information

Vendor
Apple
Status
Mac OS
iPhone OS
iPad OS
Vendor
CVE Published:
17 September 2024

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2024-44131?

CVE-2024-44131 is a vulnerability found in Apple's operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. These systems serve as the foundation for a wide range of Apple devices, providing essential functionalities and applications for users. The vulnerability allows malicious applications to potentially access sensitive user data due to inadequate validation processes regarding symbolic links. This security flaw poses serious risks for organizations, as it could lead to unauthorized data exposure, compromising user privacy and potentially affecting compliance with data protection regulations.

Technical Details

The vulnerability arises from an issue with the validation of symbolic links within Apple's operating systems. When this validation is not properly implemented, it can enable an application to bypass intended security measures and gain access to sensitive information. Apple has addressed this issue in the recent updates for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15, aiming to safeguard user data by enhancing the validation processes involved. Organizations relying on these platforms must ensure they are using the latest versions to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Impact of the Vulnerability

  1. Unauthorized Data Access: The primary impact of CVE-2024-44131 is the potential for applications to access sensitive user data without proper authorization, which can lead to significant privacy breaches.

  2. Compliance Violations: Organizations that collect or process personal data may face legal and financial repercussions if they are found to be in violation of data protection regulations due to this vulnerability.

  3. Increased Attack Surface: By enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information, this vulnerability can broaden the scope of potential attacks, leaving organizations more vulnerable to various types of cyber threats, including data theft and exploitation by malicious actors.

News Articles

favicon imageThe Hacker News

Researchers Uncover Symlink Exploit Allowing TCC Bypass in iOS and macOS

Apple patches CVE-2024-44131, a TCC bypass vulnerability enabling malicious apps to access sensitive data via symlink manipulation.

2 weeks ago

favicon imageForbes

iOS 18 Alert—iPhone Users Waiting To Update At Risk From New Attack

People waiting to update to iOS 18 could be putting their security at risk, according to a new warning. Here's what you need to know.

2 weeks ago

favicon imageComputer Weekly

iOS vuln leaves user data dangerously exposed | Computer Weekly

Jamf threat researchers detail an exploit chain for a recently patched iOS vulnerability that enables a threat actor to steal sensitive data, warning that many organisations are still neglecting mobile updates.

2 weeks ago

References

https://support.apple.com/en-us/121238
https://support.apple.com/en-us/121250

CVSS V3.1

Score:
5.5
Severity:
MEDIUM
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
None
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 📰

    First article discovered by Macworld

  • Vulnerability published

Collectors

NVD Database4 News Article(s)
.