CVE-2024-40799 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
An out-of-bounds read issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.7.9 and iPadOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, tvOS 17.6, visionOS 1.3, watchOS 10.6. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify file contents before processing. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129 Input Validation and Output Encoding, specifically addressing improper validation of array indices or buffer boundaries. The flaw occurs when applications attempt to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer space, creating potential pathways for exploitation that could result in arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when maliciously crafted files are processed by affected applications, leading to memory access violations that cause unexpected application termination. This type of out-of-bounds read represents a fundamental memory safety issue that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers could potentially craft files designed to trigger this memory access violation. The vulnerability's impact extends across Apple's entire ecosystem, affecting not only mobile devices but also desktop and television platforms, demonstrating the widespread nature of this memory safety concern.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to end-user security and system stability, particularly in enterprise environments where automated file processing occurs. The out-of-bounds read could potentially be leveraged by attackers to cause denial of service conditions or serve as a precursor to more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape, especially when evaluating attack surfaces related to file handling and processing functions. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the core validation issue through enhanced input sanitization and boundary checking mechanisms that prevent access to memory regions outside of legitimate buffer boundaries.
Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the affected system updates, including iOS 16.7.9 and iPadOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, tvOS 17.6, visionOS 1.3, and watchOS 10.6. Additionally, security professionals should implement monitoring for anomalous application termination patterns and file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation through improved input validation aligns with defensive programming practices recommended by the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards and follows the principle of least privilege in memory management, ensuring that applications operate within defined boundaries and cannot access unauthorized memory regions.