CVE-2024-44258

This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, iOS 17.7.1 and iPadOS 17.7.1, visionOS 2.1, tvOS 18.1. Restoring a maliciously crafted backup file may lead to modification of protected system files.

Weakness

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

• Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
• Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

Related Attack Patterns

• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html

References

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/121563
• https://support.apple.com/en-us/121566
• https://support.apple.com/en-us/121567
• https://support.apple.com/en-us/121569