CVE-2024-27825
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass macOS Privacy preferences on Intel-based Mac computers by exploiting a downgrade issue in code-signing restrictions. It affects users running macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14.5. The bypass could enable unauthorized access to protected system resources.
💻 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
Malicious app gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data (contacts, location, camera, microphone) or system resources by bypassing Privacy permission prompts.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate apps bypass user consent dialogs to access protected resources without user knowledge.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper app vetting and user awareness, but still presents privacy violation risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install/run malicious application; exploitation details not publicly documented.
🛠️ 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 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly allow app installations from App Store and identified developers in Security & Privacy settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Only install applications from trusted sources and the Mac App Store
- Regularly review and audit Privacy settings for installed applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 14.5 and computer uses Intel processor, 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 Privacy permission grants in system logs
- Applications accessing protected resources without recent user consent prompts
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privacy_override" OR event="code_signature_bypass")