CVE-2024-44124 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS Bluetooth input device handling, specifically allowing a malicious Bluetooth input device to bypass the standard pairing process. The root cause is linked to improper state management within the Bluetooth stack, which fails to enforce the expected pairing authentication sequence. This flaw enables an attacker to connect a rogue Bluetooth input device—such as a keyboard or mouse—without the user’s knowledge or explicit consent. Once connected, the attacker can inject arbitrary input, potentially manipulating the device’s behavior or executing unauthorized commands, thereby compromising the integrity of the device. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or availability directly but poses a significant risk to data integrity and user control. Exploitation requires proximity due to Bluetooth’s limited range but does not require any privileges or user interaction, increasing the attack surface. Apple addressed this issue in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 by improving the Bluetooth state management to enforce proper pairing protocols. No public exploits have been reported, but the medium CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the ease of exploitation combined with the impact on integrity. Organizations relying on Apple mobile devices should consider this vulnerability a credible threat vector, especially in environments where Bluetooth peripherals are common.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-44124 can be significant in environments where iOS and iPadOS devices are used extensively, such as corporate mobile workforces, healthcare, finance, and government sectors. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could inject malicious input commands, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data manipulation, or disruption of workflows. This could undermine the integrity of sensitive data and systems controlled or accessed via these devices. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect confidentiality or availability, the ability to control input devices can facilitate further attacks or social engineering. The risk is heightened in scenarios where Bluetooth peripherals are used for critical operations or where physical security controls are limited. European organizations with mobile device management (MDM) solutions can leverage these to enforce timely updates and monitor device behavior. Failure to patch could expose organizations to targeted attacks, especially in high-value sectors or geopolitical contexts where adversaries seek to exploit mobile device vulnerabilities.

1. Immediately update all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 18 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict mobile device management policies that mandate timely OS updates and restrict Bluetooth device pairing to known, trusted peripherals. 3. Disable Bluetooth on devices when not in use, especially in sensitive environments or where physical access cannot be controlled. 4. Monitor Bluetooth connection logs and alerts for unusual or unauthorized device pairings using enterprise security tools or MDM capabilities. 5. Educate users about the risks of connecting unknown Bluetooth devices and encourage reporting of suspicious behavior. 6. Implement physical security controls to limit attacker proximity to devices, reducing the risk of Bluetooth exploitation. 7. Consider network segmentation and endpoint detection solutions that can identify anomalous device behavior stemming from compromised input devices. 8. Regularly audit device inventories and Bluetooth peripheral usage to ensure compliance with security policies.