CVE-2024-27873 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 that affects Apple iOS and iPadOS operating systems. The flaw arises when the system processes a maliciously crafted video file, leading to improper memory handling due to insufficient input validation. This memory corruption can cause unexpected termination of the affected application, resulting in denial of service. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity, as it does not allow code execution or data leakage, but it affects availability by crashing apps that handle video playback. Exploitation requires local access to the device and user interaction to open or process the malicious video file, which limits the attack vector primarily to social engineering or delivery via messaging or email. Apple has released patches in iOS 16.7.9, 17.6, iPadOS 16.7.9, 17.6, and corresponding macOS versions to address this issue by improving input validation routines. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction and causing only availability impact. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, indicating limited active exploitation. However, the vulnerability remains a concern for environments with high usage of Apple mobile devices, especially where video files are frequently exchanged or processed.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-27873 is denial of service through unexpected app crashes when processing malicious video files. This can disrupt business operations, particularly in sectors relying on iOS/iPadOS devices for communication, media consumption, or field operations. While the vulnerability does not allow data theft or system compromise, repeated crashes could degrade user productivity and potentially affect critical applications that handle video content. In environments with strict availability requirements, such as healthcare, finance, or government services, this could lead to operational interruptions. The requirement for user interaction reduces the risk of widespread automated exploitation but increases the risk of targeted attacks via phishing or malicious media sharing. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or extensive mobile workforces using Apple devices are more exposed. The absence of known exploits suggests a window for proactive patching to mitigate risk before active exploitation emerges.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the patched versions: iOS and iPadOS 16.7.9 or later, 17.6 or later, and corresponding macOS updates. Enforce policies that restrict opening video files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially in email and messaging platforms. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates and monitor device compliance. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious media files and encourage reporting of unusual app behavior. Consider deploying network-level controls to scan and block potentially malicious multimedia content before it reaches end-user devices. For critical environments, restrict the use of personal devices or enforce hardened configurations that limit app permissions related to media processing. Regularly review and test incident response plans to handle potential denial-of-service scenarios caused by app crashes. Finally, maintain visibility into device OS versions and patch status to ensure no vulnerable endpoints remain unpatched.