CVE-2024-54542: Private Browsing tabs may be accessed without authentication in Apple Safari
CVE-2024-54542 is a critical authentication vulnerability in Apple Safari that allows Private Browsing tabs to be accessed without proper authentication. This issue was addressed by Apple through improved state management and fixed in Safari 18. 2 and corresponding OS versions. The vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality and availability but does not affect integrity. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2024-54542) in Apple Safari involves an authentication bypass that permits unauthorized access to Private Browsing tabs. The flaw stems from improper state management, allowing these tabs to be accessed without user authentication. Apple fixed the issue in Safari 18.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and watchOS 11.2. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.1 (critical), reflecting network attack vector, no required privileges or user interaction, and high confidentiality and availability impact.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to access Private Browsing tabs without authentication, potentially exposing sensitive browsing sessions and data. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and availability but does not affect data integrity. There are no known active exploits reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apple has released official fixes in Safari 18.2 and the corresponding OS updates (iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2). Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly to remediate the vulnerability. Patch status is confirmed fixed by the vendor advisory.
CVE-2024-54542: Private Browsing tabs may be accessed without authentication in Apple Safari
Description
CVE-2024-54542 is a critical authentication vulnerability in Apple Safari that allows Private Browsing tabs to be accessed without proper authentication. This issue was addressed by Apple through improved state management and fixed in Safari 18. 2 and corresponding OS versions. The vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality and availability but does not affect integrity. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2024-54542) in Apple Safari involves an authentication bypass that permits unauthorized access to Private Browsing tabs. The flaw stems from improper state management, allowing these tabs to be accessed without user authentication. Apple fixed the issue in Safari 18.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and watchOS 11.2. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.1 (critical), reflecting network attack vector, no required privileges or user interaction, and high confidentiality and availability impact.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to access Private Browsing tabs without authentication, potentially exposing sensitive browsing sessions and data. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and availability but does not affect data integrity. There are no known active exploits reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apple has released official fixes in Safari 18.2 and the corresponding OS updates (iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2). Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly to remediate the vulnerability. Patch status is confirmed fixed by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apple
- Date Reserved
- 2024-12-03T22:50:35.512Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69ceb834e6bfc5ba1df6eeb6
Added to database: 4/2/2026, 6:40:52 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 11:35:47 PM
Last updated: 5/20/2026, 6:11:51 AM
Views: 45
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