CVE-2024-44217 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
A permissions issue was addressed by removing vulnerable code and adding additional checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Password autofill may fill in passwords after failing authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-44217 represents a permissions issue within Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems that could potentially allow unauthorized access to password autofill functionality. This flaw existed in versions prior to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, where the system's authentication mechanisms were insufficiently restrictive, creating a window for malicious actors to exploit. The vulnerability specifically relates to the password autofill feature which should have been protected by proper authentication checks but instead allowed password retrieval even after failed authentication attempts. This represents a significant security concern as it could enable attackers to access sensitive credentials stored in password managers or autofill databases without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission controls within the password management subsystem. When authentication fails, the system should properly terminate access to sensitive data and prevent any further interaction with password storage mechanisms. However, the flawed implementation allowed the password autofill service to continue operating and potentially return stored credentials even when the user had failed to authenticate properly. This issue falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where insufficient privileges are granted to users or processes attempting to access protected resources. The vulnerability essentially creates a bypass mechanism that allows unauthorized retrieval of password data through the autofill service, undermining the fundamental security principle of least privilege.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-44217 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it could enable attackers to perform credential stuffing attacks or gain access to accounts across multiple services where users have reused passwords. When password autofill functions after failed authentication, it provides attackers with a method to harvest credentials without triggering additional security measures that would normally be activated after authentication failures. This vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under credential access tactics, specifically targeting the collection of stored credentials and password reuse patterns. The issue particularly affects users who rely heavily on password managers or automatic password filling features, as their stored credentials become more vulnerable to exploitation.
Apple addressed this vulnerability by removing the vulnerable code and implementing additional authentication checks within the password autofill service. The fix ensures that after failed authentication attempts, the system properly terminates access to password storage and prevents any further interaction with the autofill functionality. This remediation aligns with security best practices for access control and privilege management, ensuring that sensitive data operations are properly protected by authentication mechanisms. The update also reinforces the principle of defense in depth by adding multiple layers of checks to prevent unauthorized access to password information. Organizations should prioritize updating to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to ensure protection against this vulnerability, as the fix addresses the root cause rather than merely patching symptoms. The remediation process involves comprehensive system verification to ensure that all password storage and retrieval mechanisms properly enforce authentication requirements and maintain appropriate access controls.