CVE-2024-44147 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows an application to gain unauthorized access to the local network. The root cause is improper state management within the operating system’s network access controls, which fails to adequately restrict app permissions regarding local network communication. This flaw enables an app, without requiring any privileges or user interaction, to bypass the intended security model that isolates apps from local network resources unless explicitly authorized. The vulnerability affects versions prior to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, where Apple has implemented fixes to improve state management and enforce proper access controls. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 reflects a high severity rating, with an attack vector limited to local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality and integrity (C:H/I:H), but no impact on availability (A:N). Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk because it allows malicious apps to silently access local network devices and services, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, network reconnaissance, or pivoting attacks within enterprise environments. The weakness is categorized under CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management), indicating a failure to properly enforce access restrictions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices, as it undermines the security boundary between apps and local network resources.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information residing on local networks, including internal services, IoT devices, and other networked assets. Attackers could leverage compromised or malicious apps to perform network reconnaissance, identify vulnerable devices, or move laterally within corporate networks, potentially escalating attacks. The confidentiality and integrity of internal communications and data could be compromised without detection, as the exploit requires no user interaction or elevated privileges. This risk is heightened in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies that allow iOS/iPadOS devices to connect to corporate networks may inadvertently expose internal resources. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity score demands urgent attention to prevent potential exploitation.

1. Upgrade all Apple iOS and iPadOS devices to version 18 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. 2. Enforce strict app vetting policies, including restricting installation of apps from untrusted sources and monitoring app permissions related to local network access. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical internal resources and limit access from mobile devices, reducing the attack surface. 4. Deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor device behavior for anomalous local network activity. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and encourage reporting of suspicious app behavior. 6. Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns indicative of unauthorized local network scanning or communication initiated by mobile devices. 7. Review and tighten firewall and access control rules to restrict local network access from mobile endpoints where feasible. These steps go beyond generic patching by incorporating network and device-level controls to mitigate potential exploitation vectors.