CVE-2024-27833 is an integer overflow vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, including related products such as tvOS, visionOS, and Safari browser. The flaw arises from improper input validation when processing web content, allowing an attacker to craft malicious web data that triggers the overflow. This can lead to arbitrary code execution on the targeted device without requiring prior authentication, but user interaction is necessary, typically by visiting a malicious or compromised website. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Apple’s operating systems, with patches released in iOS 16.7.8, 17.5, iPadOS 16.7.8, 17.5, tvOS 17.5, visionOS 1.2, and Safari 17.5. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a high severity, considering the network attack vector, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and the requirement for user interaction. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation is significant given the widespread use of Apple mobile devices. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound), which is a common source of memory corruption issues leading to code execution. Organizations relying on Apple devices for mobile operations, especially those accessing web content frequently, are at risk of compromise through targeted phishing or drive-by download attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27833 can be substantial. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on employee iPhones, iPads, or other Apple devices, potentially leading to data breaches, espionage, or disruption of business operations. Confidential corporate data, credentials, and communications could be compromised. The vulnerability affects mobile endpoints that are often used to access corporate networks remotely, increasing the attack surface. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which rely heavily on mobile security and data confidentiality, are particularly vulnerable. The need for user interaction means social engineering campaigns could be used to lure users to malicious websites. Given the high adoption rate of Apple devices in Europe, especially in countries with strong technology sectors, the risk of targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability is elevated. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive patching and mitigation before widespread exploitation occurs.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, and Safari to remediate CVE-2024-27833. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict web content filtering and URL reputation services to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions should enforce update policies and restrict installation of untrusted applications or profiles. User awareness training is critical to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could trick users into visiting malicious web pages. Network-level protections such as DNS filtering and intrusion detection systems tuned to detect exploitation attempts should be employed. For high-risk environments, consider disabling or restricting web browsing capabilities on corporate mobile devices until patches are applied. Regular vulnerability scanning and endpoint monitoring can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain an incident response plan tailored to mobile device compromises.