CVE-2024-27880 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
An out-of-bounds read issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.7 and iPadOS 17.7, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, watchOS 11. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27880 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the affected software components, allowing maliciously crafted files to trigger memory access violations that result in application instability. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes specially constructed data files that exceed expected boundaries, leading to unauthorized memory access patterns that can cause applications to crash or terminate unexpectedly. Such out-of-bounds read conditions typically occur when software fails to properly validate the size or content of input data before attempting to access memory locations beyond allocated buffers, creating potential attack vectors for adversaries seeking to disrupt system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses classified under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input data. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and input processing, where the absence of proper bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate file structures in ways that bypass normal validation procedures. The vulnerability's impact extends across Apple's ecosystem due to the shared underlying frameworks and libraries that power multiple operating systems, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these systems are widely deployed. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause applications to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated, potentially leading to information disclosure, system instability, or in more sophisticated attack scenarios, arbitrary code execution.
The operational implications of CVE-2024-27880 present significant risks to organizations relying on Apple's ecosystem for their computing infrastructure. Unintended application termination can disrupt critical business processes, particularly in environments where mobile devices or specialized Apple hardware serve as primary computing platforms. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when considering that many applications process user-generated content or files from untrusted sources, creating numerous attack vectors across email clients, document processors, and media handling applications. Security teams must consider the broader impact on system availability and data integrity, as unexpected application crashes can lead to data loss or temporary service interruptions that affect productivity and user experience. The vulnerability's presence in multiple operating system versions also complicates remediation efforts, requiring coordinated patch management across various device types and software platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27880 primarily focus on immediate system updates and proactive monitoring of affected platforms. Apple has addressed this vulnerability through software updates released for iOS 17.7, iPadOS 17.7, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and watchOS 11, making these updates essential for organizations seeking to eliminate exposure. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all devices within their environment receive the necessary security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies, particularly for email attachments, file downloads, and user-uploaded content, along with monitoring for unusual application termination patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network-based protections such as sandboxing mechanisms and application whitelisting to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, aligning with defensive strategies outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the application layer and privilege escalation domains.