CVE-2024-40806 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40806 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, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted files can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes specially constructed data that exceeds expected boundaries, potentially leading to unpredictable application behavior and system instability. According to industry standards, this flaw maps to CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient input validation leading to out-of-bounds reads, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. The security implications extend beyond simple application crashes, as improper memory handling can create opportunities for more sophisticated attacks targeting system stability and potentially user data integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when applications process files containing malformed data structures that exceed allocated memory boundaries during parsing operations. This type of out-of-bounds read typically occurs in file processing libraries or content parsers where buffer size validation is inadequate or absent. The flaw allows attackers to craft specific file formats that, when opened or processed by vulnerable applications, cause the system to attempt reading memory locations outside the intended data boundaries. This memory access violation can result in immediate application termination, system instability, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context and available memory access privileges. The issue affects Apple's core operating system components that handle various file types including documents, media files, and system configuration data, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and consumer environments where file processing is frequent.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40806 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as the vulnerability creates potential entry points for more sophisticated attack vectors. While the immediate effect is application termination, the underlying memory access issue could be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to achieve privilege escalation or information disclosure. Organizations and users face risks when processing untrusted files, particularly in environments where automated file handling occurs or when users download content from unverified sources. The vulnerability affects multiple versions across Apple's ecosystem, requiring comprehensive patch management across all supported platforms. Security teams must prioritize this issue given its potential to disrupt business operations through unexpected application failures and the possibility of escalation to more serious security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40806 focus primarily on immediate patch deployment across all affected Apple platforms, with particular attention to enterprise environments where multiple devices need updating. System administrators should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include automated patch deployment for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS devices. The fix addresses the root cause through enhanced input validation mechanisms that properly bounds memory access during file processing operations. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as file reputation systems, sandboxing of file processing applications, and network-based filtering of suspicious file types. Regular security assessments should verify that all endpoints have received the appropriate updates, and monitoring systems should be configured to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual application termination patterns or memory access violations. The remediation process must account for the multi-platform nature of the vulnerability, ensuring that all Apple operating system versions receive timely updates to prevent exploitation across the entire ecosystem.