CVE-2024-44241 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
The issue was addressed with improved bounds checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1. An attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or arbitrary code execution in DCP firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-44241 represents a critical security flaw within the Device Control Protocol (DCP) firmware component that affects Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems. This issue manifests as insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the firmware processing logic, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit system stability and execute unauthorized code. The vulnerability specifically targets the firmware layer responsible for device control operations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low-level system interface that controls hardware interactions and device functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checking within the DCP firmware subsystem. When processing certain device control commands or firmware update operations, the system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits, allowing attackers to craft malicious inputs that can trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. This flaw aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's nature suggests it operates within a privileged execution context where firmware-level operations are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard operating system security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to achieve arbitrary code execution within the firmware environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially cause unexpected system termination through controlled crashes or more dangerously, inject and execute malicious code that persists across system reboots. This capability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the firmware level execution environment typically operates with elevated privileges and system-level access. The risk is compounded by the fact that firmware-level exploits are particularly difficult to detect and remediate, as they operate below the traditional operating system monitoring layers.
Apple's response to this vulnerability involved implementing enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within the DCP firmware processing code, which was subsequently included in the security updates for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. These updates address the root cause by strengthening input validation procedures and implementing proper boundary checks that prevent malicious inputs from causing memory corruption. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The fix demonstrates Apple's proactive approach to firmware security through enhanced validation routines that align with industry best practices for secure coding standards. Security professionals should monitor for any potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability and consider implementing additional network-based detection measures to identify suspicious firmware update activities or device control protocol communications that might indicate exploitation attempts.