CVE-2024-23235 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/08/2024
A race condition was addressed with additional validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.7.6 and iPadOS 16.7.6, iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, watchOS 10.4. An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
This vulnerability represents a race condition flaw that emerged in Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS 16.7.6 and iPadOS 16.7.6, iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and watchOS 10.4. The race condition occurs when multiple processes or threads attempt to access shared resources simultaneously, creating a window where system validation checks may be bypassed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software systems where concurrent execution can lead to unpredictable behavior and security weaknesses. The flaw allows malicious applications to potentially access user-sensitive data through improper synchronization mechanisms within the operating system's core frameworks.
The technical implementation of this race condition involves timing dependencies where an application might exploit a temporary gap in validation logic that occurs during system resource access operations. When multiple threads or processes attempt to manipulate the same memory locations or system resources concurrently, the system's validation mechanisms may not properly enforce access controls during these transitional states. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a system level rather than being confined to individual applications, making it more difficult to detect and mitigate through traditional application sandboxing approaches. The issue demonstrates how improper handling of concurrent access patterns can create persistent security weaknesses that affect the entire operating system ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the system's concurrency control mechanisms. Attackers could potentially leverage this race condition to escalate privileges or access sensitive user information, including personal data, communications, and potentially system credentials. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms simultaneously, indicating a systemic issue within the underlying operating system architecture that governs how concurrent processes are managed across different device types. This cross-platform nature of the flaw suggests that the race condition exists in shared kernel components or system frameworks that are utilized across all supported Apple operating systems, making the attack surface particularly broad and concerning for enterprise and individual users alike.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official security updates released by Apple, which include the specific versions mentioned in the CVE description. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected devices to ensure that the additional validation measures have been properly implemented to address the race condition. The fix typically involves strengthening the synchronization mechanisms and implementing more robust validation checks that prevent concurrent access issues from creating security vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their device fleets to ensure complete remediation and monitor for any anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network-based monitoring solutions can help detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual access patterns or data exfiltration activities that might be associated with this type of race condition attack vector.