CVE-2024-40784 is an integer overflow vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as other Apple operating systems such as macOS Ventura 13.6.8, macOS Sonoma 14.6, watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, and visionOS 1.3. The root cause is insufficient input validation when processing certain file types, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious file that triggers an integer overflow condition. This overflow can lead to unexpected application termination, which may result in denial of service or potentially be leveraged for further memory corruption attacks affecting confidentiality and integrity. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8 (high severity), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Exploitation requires the victim to open or process the malicious file, implying user interaction is necessary. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. Apple has addressed this vulnerability in multiple OS updates including iOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6, and corresponding updates for other Apple platforms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple devices, making it relevant for organizations relying on Apple ecosystems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily through denial of service caused by app crashes, which can disrupt business operations, especially in environments heavily reliant on Apple devices. The high impact on confidentiality and integrity suggests that, beyond crashes, there may be potential for data leakage or unauthorized data modification if the vulnerability is chained with other exploits. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies using iOS/iPadOS devices for sensitive communications and operations could face operational disruptions and data security risks. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted attacks via phishing or malicious file distribution remain a concern. The broad range of affected Apple platforms increases the attack surface, impacting mobile users, desktop users, and IoT device operators within Europe. Failure to patch promptly could lead to exploitation attempts as threat actors develop techniques to leverage this flaw.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation approach: 1) Immediately deploy the Apple security updates iOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6, and corresponding patches for macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS to all managed devices. 2) Enforce strict controls on file sources by restricting or scanning files received via email, messaging apps, or downloads to prevent malicious file delivery. 3) Educate users on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and implement phishing awareness training to reduce user interaction risks. 4) Utilize Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to ensure compliance with patching policies and monitor device health. 5) Monitor application logs and system behavior for signs of abnormal app crashes or unexpected terminations that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Consider application sandboxing and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential crashes or memory corruption. 7) For critical environments, implement network segmentation to isolate Apple devices and limit lateral movement in case of compromise.