CVE-2024-27828 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2024
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, watchOS 10.5. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory handling flaw that could enable malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The issue was specifically addressed through enhanced memory management protocols within the operating system's kernel components. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, and watchOS 10.5, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The root cause likely involves improper memory allocation or deallocation mechanisms that create exploitable conditions for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common memory corruption patterns that fall under CWE-122 Heap Overflow and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write categories. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces, effectively bypassing traditional security boundaries that separate user applications from system-level processes. This type of vulnerability represents a significant threat to system integrity as it allows for complete system compromise through seemingly legitimate application execution. The exploitability of such memory handling issues typically requires sophisticated attack vectors that can manipulate memory layout or trigger specific conditions to achieve privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27828 extends beyond individual device security to encompass enterprise environments where Apple devices are prevalent. Organizations relying on Apple's ecosystem for critical operations face potential risks of complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel privilege escalation issue places it within the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting T1068 and T1547. This makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise security as it could enable attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised systems while evading typical endpoint detection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched operating system versions across all affected devices. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities and conduct thorough security assessments of all applications installed on affected systems. The fix implemented by Apple likely involves enhanced memory validation routines and stricter kernel memory protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, kernel extension monitoring, and network-based intrusion detection to provide defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across the enterprise environment.