CVE-2024-40791 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
A privacy issue was addressed with improved private data redaction for log entries. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.7 and iPadOS 17.7, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Ventura 13.7. An app may be able to access information about a user's contacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a privacy flaw in apple's operating systems where insufficient redaction of private data in log entries could potentially expose user contact information. The issue affects multiple platform versions including ios 17.7, ipados 17.7, ios 18, ipados 18, macos sequoia 15, macos sonoma 14.7, and macos ventura 13.7. The vulnerability stems from inadequate data sanitization processes during log generation where sensitive contact information might remain accessible through log analysis. This represents a significant privacy concern as it could allow malicious applications or adversaries with access to system logs to extract personal contact data without proper authorization. The flaw aligns with common weakness enumeration category 200 which covers improper input validation and data handling practices that lead to information exposure. From an operational perspective this vulnerability creates risk for users whose contact information could be inadvertently exposed through log files that are typically used for system diagnostics and troubleshooting purposes. The issue is particularly concerning given that contact information represents highly sensitive personal data that could be leveraged for social engineering attacks or identity theft. The fix implemented by apple addresses this through enhanced private data redaction mechanisms that ensure contact information is properly sanitized before log entries are created. This remediation approach follows established security practices for protecting personally identifiable information as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including nist risk management framework and iso/iec 27001 standards. The vulnerability also maps to attack technique t1059 in the mitre att&ck framework where adversaries might exploit system log files to extract sensitive information through indirect access methods. Organizations should ensure all affected systems are updated to the patched versions to prevent potential exploitation of this privacy vulnerability. The remediation process involves updating to the specified operating system versions which include enhanced logging mechanisms that properly redact private data. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper data handling practices in system design and the critical need for comprehensive privacy controls in logging and monitoring systems. The issue demonstrates how seemingly benign system functionality can create privacy exposure risks when proper data sanitization procedures are not implemented. Security teams should monitor for any unauthorized access to system logs and implement additional controls to protect sensitive data in log files. The fix represents a positive step toward improving data protection mechanisms in operating systems while emphasizing the ongoing need for robust privacy controls in software development processes.