CVE-2024-44276 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2025
This issue was addressed by using HTTPS when sending information over the network. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2. A user in a privileged network position may be able to leak sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Apple's mobile operating systems where insufficient network encryption protocols were being utilized for data transmission. The issue specifically manifested when information was being sent over networks without proper secure communication channels, creating potential exposure points for sensitive data. The vulnerability was classified as a weakness in cryptographic implementation where plaintext transmission occurred instead of utilizing secure encrypted protocols. This represents a fundamental failure in network security architecture that could allow unauthorized parties to intercept and access confidential information flowing through the system.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the absence of mandatory HTTPS encryption for network communications within the affected iOS and iPadOS versions. When network traffic lacks proper encryption, it becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping activities. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper encryption or lack of encryption in network communications. The flaw essentially created a situation where network traffic could be captured and analyzed by adversaries positioned within the same network segment, particularly those with privileged access rights. Attackers could leverage this weakness to obtain sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or corporate confidential information transmitted over the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage, as it creates a persistent security risk for users within privileged network environments. Organizations relying on iOS devices for business operations face significant exposure when these systems lack proper encryption protocols. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security posture of affected systems by allowing attackers with network access to intercept communications without requiring additional sophisticated attack vectors. This weakness particularly affects environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented, as attackers could exploit the unencrypted communication channels to gather intelligence or escalate their privileges. The impact is amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects widely used mobile operating systems, potentially exposing thousands of devices to information leakage.
The remediation for this vulnerability required Apple to implement mandatory HTTPS encryption for all network communications within the affected iOS and iPadOS versions. This fix ensures that all data transmission occurs over secure encrypted channels, preventing unauthorized access to network traffic. The update addresses the root cause by enforcing proper cryptographic protocols and eliminating the possibility of plaintext data transmission. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper network security implementation and the necessity of regular security updates. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 updates to mitigate this risk. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, which addresses data transmission methods and emphasizes the importance of secure communication channels in preventing information leakage. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of encryption implementation and the potential consequences of failing to maintain proper network security protocols in mobile environments.