CVE-2024-54503 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
An inconsistent user interface issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2. Muting a call while ringing may not result in mute being enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-54503 represents a critical inconsistency in the user interface state management of Apple's mobile operating systems. This issue manifests specifically within the telephony subsystem where the expected behavior of call muting functionality becomes unreliable during active call ringing states. The problem stems from inadequate synchronization between the visual user interface elements and the underlying system state, creating a disconnect between user expectations and actual system behavior. Such inconsistencies in state management can lead to situations where users believe they have successfully muted an incoming call only to discover that the mute function has not been properly activated.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of user interface state management failures that can be classified as CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control flow management. The issue demonstrates poor implementation of event handling mechanisms within the telephony framework where the system fails to properly update the mute state indicator when users interact with the call interface during the ringing phase. The root cause likely involves improper state propagation between different layers of the operating system's call management architecture, where the user interface component does not accurately reflect the actual system state of the call muting function.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user inconvenience to potentially serious privacy and security implications. When a user attempts to mute a ringing call and the system fails to properly engage the mute function, the call audio continues to be audible to the user and potentially to others in the vicinity. This situation can occur in environments where call privacy is critical, such as in professional settings, public spaces, or during sensitive conversations. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors who might attempt to exploit this inconsistency to eavesdrop on conversations or disrupt communication privacy. According to ATT&CK framework category T1566, this type of vulnerability could potentially be leveraged in social engineering attacks where users might be misled by the false state representation.
The fix implemented in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 addresses this issue through enhanced state management protocols that ensure proper synchronization between user interface elements and system state variables. The update likely incorporates improved event handling mechanisms that guarantee the mute function's state is consistently updated across all relevant system components. This remediation approach aligns with security best practices for maintaining consistent user interface states and preventing confusion that could lead to unintended system behaviors. Organizations and users should prioritize updating to these versions to eliminate the risk of unintended call audio exposure. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing user interface consistency issues that could potentially impact security through user confusion or misinterpretation of system states.