CVE-2024-40826 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
A privacy issue was addressed with improved handling of files. This issue is fixed in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia 15. An unencrypted document may be written to a temporary file when using print preview.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40826 represents a privacy risk within Apple's operating systems where sensitive data may be inadvertently exposed through improper file handling during print preview operations. This issue affects iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, as well as macOS Sequoia 15, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The core problem manifests when the system creates temporary files containing unencrypted sensitive information during the print preview process, potentially exposing confidential data to unauthorized access.
This vulnerability falls under the category of improper data handling and storage practices, aligning with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-200 (Information Exposure). The technical flaw occurs when the print preview functionality generates temporary files without adequate encryption measures, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to access sensitive documents. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where users expect robust privacy protections, especially during routine operations like printing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breach in the security model of Apple's operating systems. When users engage with print preview features, they typically do not expect their sensitive documents to be written to temporary storage in an unencrypted format. This creates a potential attack vector where adversaries could exploit the temporary file system to access confidential information, particularly in environments where multiple users share the same device or where physical access to the device is possible. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that these temporary files may persist longer than expected, increasing the window of potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to the patched versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15, which implement improved file handling procedures for print preview operations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring of temporary file systems and establishing protocols for regular cleanup of temporary storage areas. Security teams should review their incident response procedures to account for potential data exposure scenarios involving temporary file systems. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that all temporary files created during print preview operations are properly encrypted and managed according to Apple's security standards, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing) and T1070 (Indicator Removal on Host) through proper data handling practices.