Apple devices: Web content denial-of-service (CVE-2024-54551) #shorts

Summary

Today's podcast delves into the recently published CVE-2024-54551, a critical vulnerability affecting a variety of Apple products. This flaw, related to how web content is processed, might force systems into a denial-of-service state if left unpatched. Stay tuned as we break down the products affected, the nature of this vulnerability, and what steps can be taken to mitigate risks.

Product details

The products affected by CVE-2024-54551 encompass Apple's ecosystem, including watchOS versions below 10.6, macOS versions below 14.6, Safari versions under 17.6, iOS and iPadOS below version 17.6, tvOS versions under 17.6, and visionOS below 1.3. This wide range of affected products emphasizes the importance of updating to the latest software versions promptly.

Vulnerability type summary

CVE-2024-54551 is classified as a denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability. Essentially, the vulnerability stems from issues in memory handling during the processing of web content. When exploited, it can disrupt normal functioning, potentially crashing the application or system.

Details of the vulnerability

This vulnerability has been identified within the Web Content Handler components of Apple's operating systems. The improper memory handling can be triggered by malicious web content, causing systems to waste resources and eventually stop functioning or crash. Apple has addressed these memory handling issues in their updates, which block potential exploitation routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CVE-2024-54551 vulnerability poses a significant risk of denial-of-service attacks on a variety of Apple products, underscoring the critical need for users and administrators to implement the latest updates across all affected devices promptly. By doing so, they can protect their systems against potential disruptions and maintain secure and reliable device operation.

Watch the full video on YouTube: CVE-2024-54551

Remediation and exploitation details

This chain involves the following actors

This following systems are involved

Attack entry point

Remediation actions

Exploitation actions

Related Content

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CVE database technical details

CVE ID
CVE-2024-54551
Description
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, Safari 17.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, visionOS 1.3, iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6. Processing web content may lead to a denial-of-service.
Provider
apple
CWE / problem types
Processing web content may lead to a denial-of-service
Affected Software Versions
Apple:watchOS:[{'version': 'unspecified', 'status': 'affected', 'lessThan': '10.6', 'versionType': 'custom'}],Apple:macOS:[{'version': 'unspecified', 'status': 'affected', 'lessThan': '14.6', 'versionType': 'custom'}],Apple:Safari:[{'version': 'unspecified', 'status': 'affected', 'lessThan': '17.6', 'versionType': 'custom'}],Apple:iOS and iPadOS:[{'version': 'unspecified', 'status': 'affected', 'lessThan': '17.6', 'versionType': 'custom'}],Apple:tvOS:[{'version': 'unspecified', 'status': 'affected', 'lessThan': '17.6', 'versionType': 'custom'}],Apple:visionOS:[{'version': 'unspecified', 'status': 'affected', 'lessThan': '1.3', 'versionType': 'custom'}]
Date Published
2025-03-20T23:53:43.888Z
Last Updated
2025-03-21T16:38:11.820Z