CVE-2024-27822
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS where a malicious application could exploit a logic issue to gain root privileges. It affects macOS systems before version 14.5. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of complete system compromise.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with root access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and complete control over the device.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a user-installed malicious app gains root privileges to bypass security controls and access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are already patched or if application sandboxing and security policies prevent unauthorized app execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214106
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sonoma 14.5 or later 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications using macOS security policies
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Limit user privileges and use standard user accounts instead of administrator accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 14.5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 14.5 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Processes running with root privileges from user applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes after privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="sudo" from_user_app=TRUE