CVE-2024-54478 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems, stemming from an out-of-bounds (OOB) access issue classified under CWE-125. The root cause is insufficient bounds checking when processing web content, which can be maliciously crafted to trigger an unexpected process crash. This vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including tvOS 18.2, iPadOS 17.7.4 and 18.2, iOS 18.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 and Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, and visionOS 2.2. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.5 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The impact is limited to availability (A:H), with no confidentiality or integrity impact. The vulnerability can be exploited by convincing a user to visit or process malicious web content, leading to a denial-of-service condition via process crash. Apple has addressed this issue by improving bounds checking in the affected components. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with web content processing engines embedded in Apple platforms, which if exploited, can disrupt service availability but do not allow code execution or data compromise.

For European organizations, the primary impact is a potential denial-of-service (DoS) condition on Apple devices running the affected operating systems, particularly Apple TV devices used in conference rooms, digital signage, or media distribution within corporate environments. While the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, disruption of services can affect business continuity, user experience, and operational workflows. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems for critical communications or media may face interruptions if malicious web content is encountered. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may access untrusted web content. Additionally, the broad range of affected Apple platforms means that enterprises with mixed Apple device deployments must consider patching multiple device types to maintain overall security posture.

1. Apply the latest Apple security updates promptly across all affected devices, including tvOS 18.2, iPadOS 17.7.4/18.2, iOS 18.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2/Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, and visionOS 2.2. 2. Restrict or monitor access to untrusted or unknown web content on Apple devices, especially Apple TVs used in corporate or public settings. 3. Implement network-level filtering or web content filtering to block known malicious URLs or suspicious web traffic targeting Apple devices. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted web content on Apple platforms to reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. 5. For environments using Apple TV devices in shared or public spaces, consider deploying application whitelisting or kiosk modes to limit web content exposure. 6. Monitor device logs and crash reports for unusual process crashes that may indicate attempted exploitation. 7. Coordinate with Apple support or security teams for guidance on patch deployment and vulnerability management.