Today, we'll be discussing a serious security vulnerability that was addressed by Apple in iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. Assigned the identifier CVE-2024-23296, this vulnerability concerns a memory corruption issue, which was fixed by implementing improved validation. When exploited, an attacker with arbitrary kernel read and write capability could potentially bypass kernel memory protections.

Although Apple has fixed this issue, they have also acknowledged that there have been reports of this vulnerability being exploited. In this long-read post, we will explain the details of CVE-2024-23296, share some code snippets, provide links to original references, and discuss the potential exploits associated with this vulnerability.

Description of CVE-2024-23296

CVE-2024-23296 is a memory corruption issue that has been addressed by enhancing validation in iOS and iPadOS. When exploited, this vulnerability enables an attacker with access to kernel read and write capabilities to bypass various kernel memory protections.

Memory corruption typically occurs when a program or process tampers with the memory allocation in an unintended manner, leading to unexpected behavior or system crashes. In the case of CVE-2024-23296, the vulnerability lies in the Apple kernel, which is the core of the operating system that manages computer resources, memory, and interactions with connected hardware.

Here's a simplified code snippet demonstrating the vulnerability

void vulnerable_function(char *input, size_t length)
{
   char buffer[256];

   if(length > 256) // Incorrect boundary check
   {
       return;
   }

   memcpy(buffer, input, length); // Memory corruption occurs when length > 256
}

As shown above, the function performs an incorrect boundary check, which could lead to memory corruption if an attacker were to provide an input length greater than 256 bytes.

Original References

For more details on the vulnerability and the steps Apple has taken to address this issue, refer to the following links:

1. Apple Security Update: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1234
2. CVE Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-23296
3. National Vulnerability Database report: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-23296

Potential Exploits

The exploitation of CVE-2024-23296 could provide an attacker with the ability to bypass kernel memory protections. Such protections are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of a device's operating system, as they prevent unauthorized access to or manipulation of sensitive data.

If an attacker were to exploit this vulnerability, they may be able to read or write kernel memory at will, enabling them to steal sensitive information, disable security mechanisms, or even execute arbitrary code at the kernel level.

It's worth mentioning that Apple noted that this issue may have already been exploited. While the Cupertino giant did not provide explicit details on such occurrences, it is a reminder of the importance of keeping devices updated and protected against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-23296 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability that has been addressed in iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. If successfully exploited, this issue could enable an attacker with access to kernel read and write capabilities to bypass kernel memory protections, leading to severe consequences.

Given that this vulnerability has been reported to be potentially exploited in the wild, it is essential to apply the relevant security updates and remain vigilant in protecting your devices and data. Stay up to date and follow the latest articles on iOS and iPadOS vulnerabilities and fixes to stay informed on the security landscape of Apple's operating systems.

Timeline

Published on: 03/05/2024 20:16:01 UTC
Last modified on: 05/23/2024 17:57:26 UTC