CVE-2024-44302 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s font processing components across multiple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS (Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura), tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. The vulnerability arises when the system processes a maliciously crafted font file, which can cause unintended disclosure of process memory. This memory disclosure can leak sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, personal data, or other confidential information residing in the process memory space. The vulnerability does not allow code execution or modification of data, but compromises confidentiality. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device, and user interaction (UI:R) is required, such as opening a malicious document or viewing content with the crafted font. No privileges are required (PR:N), making it accessible to unprivileged users or apps. Apple addressed the issue by implementing improved validation and checks in the font processing logic, preventing malformed fonts from causing memory disclosure. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on October 28, 2024, with patches released in iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, macOS Ventura 13.7.1, tvOS 18.1, visionOS 2.1, and watchOS 11.1. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating medium severity, primarily due to the local attack vector and requirement for user interaction, but with high confidentiality impact.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-44302 is the potential disclosure of sensitive information from process memory on affected Apple devices. This can lead to leakage of confidential data such as authentication tokens, encryption keys, personal user information, or other sensitive application data. While the vulnerability does not allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or disrupt system availability, the confidentiality breach can facilitate further attacks such as identity theft, unauthorized access, or espionage. Organizations relying heavily on Apple devices for communication, data storage, or critical operations may face increased risk of data leakage if users open malicious content containing crafted fonts. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may be targeted with malicious documents or web content. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple platforms, increasing the attack surface for organizations with diverse Apple device deployments. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the medium severity rating and potential for sensitive data exposure warrant prompt remediation to prevent future exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-44302, organizations and users should immediately update all affected Apple devices to the patched versions: iOS 17.7.1 or later, iPadOS 17.7.1 or later, macOS Sequoia 15.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, Ventura 13.7.1 or later, tvOS 18.1, visionOS 2.1, and watchOS 11.1. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict controls on document and content sources, restricting users from opening untrusted or unsolicited files that may contain malicious fonts. Deploy endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious font files or anomalous font processing behavior. Educate users about the risks of opening unknown attachments or links, emphasizing caution with documents from unverified sources. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the ability of untrusted applications to process font files. Monitor device logs for unusual font processing errors or crashes that may indicate attempted exploitation. For high-security environments, consider disabling font formats or features not required for business operations if feasible. Maintain robust backup and incident response plans to quickly address any data leakage incidents. Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate emerging threats related to font parsing vulnerabilities.