CVE-2024-54503 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms affecting the call mute functionality during the ringing state. Specifically, when a user attempts to mute an incoming call while the phone is ringing, the mute state may not be properly enabled due to inconsistent user interface state management. This issue is primarily a usability flaw rather than a security breach, as it does not expose any confidential data or allow unauthorized access. The root cause lies in the operating system’s handling of call state transitions and mute toggling, which can result in the mute command being ignored or not applied correctly. The vulnerability requires local user interaction during an incoming call and does not require elevated privileges or network access. Apple addressed this issue in iOS and iPadOS version 18.2 by improving the state management logic to ensure the mute function activates as expected. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to limited impact and exploitation complexity. There are no known exploits in the wild, and the vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or integrity but may cause minor availability or usability issues. This flaw could be inconvenient in scenarios requiring immediate call muting, such as confidential meetings or noisy environments, but it does not pose a direct security threat.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-54503 is primarily related to user experience and operational convenience rather than direct security compromise. The inability to mute calls while ringing could lead to inadvertent audio exposure in sensitive environments, potentially causing privacy concerns or disruptions during confidential communications. This may affect sectors with strict privacy requirements such as legal, healthcare, and government institutions. However, since the vulnerability does not allow data leakage, unauthorized access, or system compromise, the overall security risk is low. The issue could also impact customer service centers or remote work scenarios where call handling is frequent and muting is necessary to manage background noise. Organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices should consider the potential for minor disruptions until devices are updated. The lack of known exploits and the requirement for user interaction reduce the likelihood of targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability.

The primary mitigation is to update all affected Apple devices to iOS and iPadOS version 18.2 or later, where the issue is resolved. Organizations should prioritize patch management for mobile fleets, especially those used in sensitive or high-privacy environments. Until updates are applied, users should be informed about the potential mute failure and advised to manually verify mute status during incoming calls. Implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions can help enforce timely updates and monitor device compliance. Additionally, organizations can provide training or guidelines on alternative call handling practices to reduce the risk of accidental audio exposure. Monitoring Apple security advisories for any related updates or exploit reports is recommended. Since this vulnerability does not allow remote exploitation, network-level protections are not applicable, but endpoint security hygiene remains important.