CVE-2024-27863 is an information disclosure vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as other Apple operating systems including watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and macOS Sonoma. The root cause is insufficient redaction of private data within system log entries, which allows a local attacker with limited privileges to infer the kernel memory layout. Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) is a critical security feature designed to randomize the memory locations of kernel components, thereby hindering exploitation of kernel vulnerabilities. By determining the kernel memory layout, an attacker can bypass KASLR protections, increasing the likelihood of successful privilege escalation or code execution attacks. The vulnerability requires local access and does not require user interaction, making it a concern in scenarios where an attacker has already gained limited access to a device, such as through a compromised app or physical access. Apple addressed this issue in iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, visionOS 1.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.6 by improving private data redaction in log entries. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity rating, with a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date, but the vulnerability represents a stepping stone for more severe attacks if chained with other vulnerabilities. Organizations using Apple devices should prioritize patching to prevent attackers from gaining kernel-level insights that facilitate further compromise.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-27863 is the disclosure of sensitive kernel memory layout information, which compromises the confidentiality of the system’s internal state. For European organizations, this can increase the risk of advanced persistent threats (APTs) and targeted attacks that rely on kernel exploitation techniques. Attackers who gain local access—via compromised user accounts, malicious apps, or physical device access—could leverage this vulnerability to bypass KASLR, facilitating privilege escalation and potentially full device compromise. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the information disclosure can be a critical enabler for subsequent, more damaging attacks. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating warrants proactive mitigation. Organizations with mobile workforces or BYOD policies that include Apple devices should be especially vigilant. Failure to patch could lead to increased exposure to espionage, data theft, or sabotage, especially in environments where devices are shared or physically accessible by multiple users.

1. Apply the latest Apple security updates immediately: iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, visionOS 1.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later. 2. Restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong authentication and limiting physical access to trusted personnel only. 3. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to ensure timely deployment of patches and monitor device compliance. 4. Limit installation of untrusted or unnecessary applications that could provide local attacker vectors. 5. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local activity or privilege escalation attempts. 6. Educate users on the risks of granting local access or installing unauthorized software. 7. For high-security environments, consider additional kernel integrity monitoring and anomaly detection tools. 8. Regularly audit device logs and access patterns for signs of exploitation attempts. 9. Coordinate with Apple support for any advanced mitigation or monitoring capabilities if needed. 10. Maintain an incident response plan that includes scenarios involving kernel-level information disclosure.