CVE-2024-54492 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
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, iPadOS 17.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.2, visionOS 2.2. An attacker in a privileged network position may be able to alter network traffic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
This vulnerability represents a significant security weakness in network communication protocols that could allow attackers to manipulate data in transit. The issue stems from the use of unencrypted communication channels when transmitting sensitive information across networks, creating opportunities for man-in-the-middle attacks and data interception. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, iPadOS 17.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and visionOS 2.2, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The problem manifests when information is sent over networks without proper encryption, leaving communication channels susceptible to modification by malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper network communication.
The technical flaw specifically relates to the absence of proper encryption mechanisms during data transmission, creating a pathway for attackers to alter network traffic in ways that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality. When systems fail to implement HTTPS or equivalent secure communication protocols, they expose themselves to various attack vectors including traffic manipulation, data injection, and information disclosure. This vulnerability operates at the network layer and can be exploited by attackers who have privileged access to network infrastructure, potentially allowing them to modify packets in transit without detection. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. According to ATT&CK framework category T1046, this represents a network service scanning technique that can be leveraged to establish a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, while also aligning with T1566 which covers credential harvesting through network manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations and individuals relying on Apple devices for secure communications. Attackers with access to network infrastructure can exploit this weakness to modify data, inject malicious content, or redirect traffic to malicious endpoints. The fix implemented by Apple involves enforcing HTTPS usage for all network communications, which provides end-to-end encryption and data integrity protection. This mitigation approach directly addresses the root cause by ensuring that all network traffic is properly encrypted and authenticated. Organizations should verify that their Apple devices are updated to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, as the vulnerability affects multiple platforms and versions. The remediation process requires systematic deployment of updates across all affected systems, with particular attention to enterprise environments where device management and patch deployment are critical components of overall security posture.
Security professionals should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all communication channels are properly encrypted. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation, traffic monitoring, and regular security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network access control and traffic analysis to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing security concerns through proactive updates and patches, but also serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current security configurations and updates. This vulnerability reinforces the necessity of following security best practices including the implementation of secure communication protocols, regular vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring of network traffic for signs of compromise.