CVE-2024-44191 - Apple Bluetooth State Management Flaw – Exploit Details & Fixes

In 2024, Apple disclosed CVE-2024-44191, a security issue that affected how apps interacted with Bluetooth across several Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS, macOS, and tvOS. By exploiting this flaw, a malicious app could gain unauthorized access to Bluetooth, potentially compromising user privacy and security.

This article breaks down how this vulnerability worked, includes example code, original references, and details how Apple fixed the problem. If you’re a developer or tech enthusiast, read on for actionable insights in simple, clear language.

What is CVE-2024-44191?

CVE-2024-44191 refers to a state management issue in Apple’s Bluetooth stack. Through improper handling of Bluetooth authorization, a rogue app could access Bluetooth resources without proper user permission. This flaw impacted:

visionOS 2

Security consequence:
An app could bypass system restrictions and interact with Bluetooth devices — without clear user consent.

Technical Details & Example Code

At its core, the flaw was in the operating system’s logic for tracking Bluetooth entitlement and state. If a malicious app exploited race conditions or state confusion (e.g., rapidly toggling Bluetooth permissions), it could "trick" iOS into thinking Bluetooth access was granted.

### iOS Bluetooth Access Code (Objective-C/Swift)

Normally, requests to use Bluetooth look like this

import CoreBluetooth

class BluetoothManager: NSObject, CBCentralManagerDelegate {
    var centralManager: CBCentralManager?

    override init() {
        super.init()
        centralManager = CBCentralManager(delegate: self, queue: nil)
    }

    func centralManagerDidUpdateState(_ central: CBCentralManager) {
        switch central.state {
        case .poweredOn:
            print("Bluetooth is available")
        case .unauthorized:
            print("Bluetooth access denied")
        default:
            break
        }
    }
}

let manager = BluetoothManager()

Exploit Snippet (Conceptual)

A proof-of-concept might rapidly try to access Bluetooth while toggling permissions, exploiting the transient "gray zone" before the OS fully updated its internal state:

// Concept pseudocode: race state exploit
func attemptUnauthorizedBluetoothAccess() {
    // 1. Request Bluetooth access
    centralManager = CBCentralManager(delegate: self, queue: nil)
    // 2. Quickly manipulate permission status (can be triggered by background tasks, abusing app states, or injection)
    // 3. Attempt access before state updates
    // Result (pre-patch): Sometimes, Bluetooth action succeeded before OS denied access!
}

*NOTE: Apple fixed this by hardening state transitions and internal checks, making such a race/extreme condition impossible.*

Apple’s Official References

- Apple Security Updates (CVE-2024-44191)
- Apple Security Releases (June 2024)
- Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures entry

Timeline & Patched Versions

| Platform | Minimum Patched Version |
|---------------|--------------------------|
| iOS | 17.7 / 18 |
| iPadOS | 17.7 / 18 |
| macOS | Sequoia 15 |
| watchOS | 11 |
| visionOS | 2 |
| tvOS | 18 |
| Xcode | 16 |

Update ASAP: Any device running an earlier OS is at ongoing risk if a malicious app is installed.

Users: Update your devices to the latest available OS version.

- Developers: Review your apps for any non-standard Bluetooth usage and rebuild with latest SDKs/Xcode.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-44191 shows how complex modern permissions can be — and why state management is critical in OS security. Thanks to Apple’s patch, the Bluetooth stack now better tracks and locks down access attempts.

Stay safe:
Always keep devices updated and only install trusted apps.

References

- Apple Security Release Notes: CVE-2024-44191
- MITRE CVE Entry
- Apple Developer Documentation – Bluetooth


*This write-up is for educational and research purposes. Misuse is illegal and unethical. Always respect user privacy and platform security guidelines.*

Timeline

Published on: 09/17/2024 00:15:52 UTC
Last modified on: 09/25/2024 13:24:42 UTC