CVE-2024-44277 is a vulnerability identified in Apple visionOS, the operating system designed for Apple's spatial computing platform. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling within the kernel, which can be triggered by a malicious or crafted app. This flaw allows an attacker to cause unexpected system termination (crashes) or corrupt kernel memory, potentially leading to denial of service or system instability. The vulnerability does not require any privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), but the attacker must have local access to run an app on the device (AV:L). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable system. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to visionOS 2.1, with Apple addressing the issue in visionOS 2.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and tvOS 18.1 by improving memory handling in the kernel. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for exploitation exists given the ease of triggering the flaw via a local app. This vulnerability is significant because kernel memory corruption can lead to system crashes, data corruption, or potentially be leveraged for privilege escalation or further attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.7 (high), reflecting the high impact on integrity and availability, moderate attack vector (local), and no required privileges or user interaction.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44277 is the risk of denial of service and system instability on Apple visionOS devices. Organizations deploying visionOS in enterprise, industrial, or research environments may experience unexpected system crashes, leading to operational disruptions. Corruption of kernel memory could also result in data integrity issues or create a foothold for further exploitation if chained with other vulnerabilities. Sectors utilizing AR/VR technologies for training, design, or remote collaboration could face interruptions or loss of productivity. Although exploitation requires local access, insider threats or compromised devices could leverage this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and ease of triggering the flaw warrant proactive mitigation. Additionally, organizations relying on Apple’s ecosystem for secure operations must consider the potential impact on device trustworthiness and user confidence.

To mitigate CVE-2024-44277, organizations should prioritize updating all Apple visionOS devices to version 2.1 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability. Enforce strict application control policies to allow only trusted and vetted apps to be installed, reducing the risk of malicious apps triggering the flaw. Implement device management solutions that monitor and restrict local app execution, especially in sensitive environments. Conduct regular security audits of AR/VR devices and ensure endpoint protection solutions are updated to detect anomalous behaviors. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps on visionOS devices. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider isolating vulnerable devices from critical networks and sensitive data. Monitor Apple security advisories for any updates or emerging exploit reports related to this CVE. Finally, integrate this vulnerability into incident response plans to quickly address any exploitation attempts.