CVE-2024-23216
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path traversal vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. It affects macOS Sonoma, Monterey, and Ventura before specific patch versions. The vulnerability stems from improper path validation that can be exploited by local applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through overwriting critical system files, privilege escalation, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation, data corruption, or unauthorized file modification by malicious applications.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be executed locally. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory dates.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.4, macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Ventura 13.6.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214083
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnforce strict application sandboxing policies to limit file system access
Restrict Application Installation
allOnly allow installation of applications from trusted sources (App Store or identified developers)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
- Enable full disk encryption and monitor for unexpected file modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: If running Sonoma <14.4, Monterey <12.7.4, or Ventura <13.6.5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, or Ventura 13.6.5 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected file modification events in system logs
- Application crashes related to file operations
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for file modification events from non-system applications to sensitive directories🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Mar/21
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Mar/22
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Mar/23
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214083
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214084
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214085
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Mar/21
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Mar/22
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Mar/23
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214083
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214084
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214085
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214083
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214084
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214085
