CVE-2024-54492 is a critical network traffic alteration vulnerability affecting Apple visionOS and other Apple operating systems including macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and iPadOS 17.7.3. The root cause was the lack of enforced HTTPS for certain network communications, allowing an attacker positioned within the network path (e.g., on the same Wi-Fi network or controlling a network router) to intercept and modify data packets in transit. This man-in-the-middle (MitM) style attack compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data exchanged by the device. The vulnerability does not require any user interaction or authentication, making it highly exploitable. Apple mitigated the issue by mandating HTTPS for all affected network transmissions in the patched OS versions, effectively preventing attackers from tampering with or eavesdropping on the data. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score (9.8) reflects the critical risk posed by this vulnerability, especially in environments where sensitive data is transmitted or where visionOS devices are used for enterprise or industrial applications. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to the patches, so organizations must verify their device OS versions and update accordingly.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly for sectors relying on Apple visionOS devices or other Apple platforms for augmented reality, virtual reality, or mobile computing. Attackers with network access could manipulate sensitive communications, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized command execution, or disruption of services. This could impact confidentiality by exposing private or proprietary information, integrity by altering data or commands, and availability by disrupting normal device operations. Industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies using Apple devices for critical workflows are especially vulnerable. The risk is heightened in environments with shared or unsecured networks, such as corporate Wi-Fi or public hotspots. Given the increasing adoption of visionOS in Europe and the integration of Apple devices in enterprise environments, the threat could lead to operational disruptions, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is compromised.

European organizations should immediately verify the OS versions of all Apple visionOS devices and other affected Apple platforms in their environment and apply the latest patches: macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, iPadOS 17.7.3, and visionOS 2.2. Network administrators should enforce the use of secure, encrypted Wi-Fi networks with strong authentication and consider segmenting AR/VR devices on isolated VLANs to limit exposure. Deploy network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) capable of identifying anomalous traffic patterns indicative of MitM attacks. Organizations should also implement strict TLS inspection policies and certificate pinning where possible to prevent interception. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of connecting to untrusted networks. For critical deployments, consider using VPNs or zero-trust network architectures to further secure communications. Regular audits of network traffic and device configurations will help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain close monitoring of vendor advisories for any emerging exploit reports or additional patches.