CVE-2024-27877
📋 TL;DR
A memory handling vulnerability in macOS allows processing malicious files to cause denial-of-service or memory disclosure. Affects macOS Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma users who open untrusted files. The vulnerability could expose sensitive memory contents or crash 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
Memory disclosure could expose sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, or user data to attackers.
Likely Case
Application crashes leading to denial-of-service when processing malicious files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file handling controls and user education about opening untrusted files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious files. No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file processing
allLimit processing of untrusted files and educate users about file safety
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application control to restrict execution of untrusted applications
- Use endpoint protection to scan and block malicious files before processing
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Monterey <12.7.6, Ventura <13.6.8, or Sonoma <14.6, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows 12.7.6, 13.6.8, or 14.6 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes related to file processing
- Unexpected memory access errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious file types followed by application crashes
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'process crash' AND ('file processing' OR 'memory error') on macOS endpoints🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214118
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214119
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214120
