CVE-2024-44308 - Inside the Safari WebKit Vulnerability and Its Exploitation on Intel Macs

In June 2024, Apple disclosed a serious security vulnerability tracked as CVE-2024-44308. This issue affects *Safari*, *iOS*, *iPadOS*, *macOS*, and even *visionOS*. The flaw allows attackers to trick users into processing malicious web content, potentially letting them run arbitrary code on the victim’s device—effectively, take control of it. Importantly, Apple acknowledged that this flaw may have been *actively exploited* in the wild, specifically on Intel-based Macs.

Fixes were released in Safari 18.1.1, iOS 17.7.2/iPadOS 17.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, iOS/iPadOS 18.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1. This article gives an exclusive, in-depth breakdown using simple language, code snippets, references, and an overview of potential exploits.

What is CVE-2024-44308?

CVE-2024-44308 is a memory corruption bug found in WebKit, Safari’s underlying engine. WebKit powers all modern browsers on Apple devices. The vulnerability exists because older WebKit versions did not properly check or handle unreliable web content. By sending specially crafted JavaScript or HTML, an attacker could corrupt WebKit’s memory and trigger arbitrary code execution.

In less technical words: if you open a bad website, your device could get hacked, letting the attacker do whatever they want.

Apple's Official Statement & References

- - Apple Security Update (macOS Sequoia)
- - Apple Security Update (iOS/iPadOS/visionOS)
- - CVE Entry at NIST
- - Apple Release Note

Apple described the fix:
>
> “The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in Safari 18.1.1, iOS 17.7.2 and iPadOS 17.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1, visionOS 2.1.1. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.”

1. What’s the Root Cause?

WebKit is written in C++, which doesn’t protect against all types of errors. CVE-2024-44308 is a *memory safety* issue. If an attacker sends weird or unexpected data, the browser used to mishandle it, corrupting memory—possibly jumping to attacker-controlled code.

2. How Could Attackers Exploit This?

Attackers can build a crafted webpage with malicious JavaScript and HTML. If you open it in an unpatched Apple browser:

The JavaScript code manipulates the browser’s memory using a bug in WebKit.

- Successful exploitation may let the attacker run their own code—maybe install spyware, steal data, or remotely control your machine.

3. Why are Intel Macs Called Out?

Apple says this bug may’ve been “actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.” These are older Macs before Apple’s M1/M2 (ARM-based) chips. Attackers seem to have targeted those specifically.

Proof of Concept (Simplified Example)

Apple keeps technical details secret for everyone’s safety. But based on similar past flaws, here’s a *mockup* (simulated code) showing how a memory corruption in JavaScript could look. Remember: for CVE-2024-44308, the real exploit is more complex and not public.

<!-- Demo: Don't try this at home, just for educational illustration! -->
<script>
function triggerWebKitBug() {
    let arr = [1.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.4];
    // Hypothetical bug: push crafted objects to cause an out-of-bounds write
    for (let i = ; i < 10000; i++) {
        arr.push({}); // Try to break WebKit’s internal memory
    }
    // In a real bug, attacker would now hijack the browser's memory
    // and achieve arbitrary code execution.
}

window.onload = triggerWebKitBug;
</script>

In reality:
Exploits are chained and obfuscated; the above is for learning the basics only.

*macOS Sequoia*: 15.1.1

- *iOS/iPadOS*: 17.7.2 or 18.1.1

The Real-World Risk

- Why it’s dangerous: This mistake lets attackers fully control your device just from browsing the wrong webpage.

Who should worry: All Apple device users, but especially Mac users with Intel chips.

- Attack surface: Exploits likely circulate among hackers—zero-day attacks targeted at dissidents, journalists, or ordinary users.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-44308 shows that even the best browsers are vulnerable. Attackers actively target WebKit on Apple devices—especially older Intel Macs. Apple responded quickly, but it is on *all users* to keep software patched.

To learn more, dive into the official Apple security advisories

- macOS Sequoia, Safari, iOS, and iPadOS security updates
- NIST NVD CVE-2024-44308 entry

Don’t wait: update today, stay safe, and always be cautious with what you click!

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Timeline

Published on: 11/20/2024 00:15:17 UTC
Last modified on: 11/22/2024 02:00:03 UTC