CVE-2024-40770
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS where a non-privileged user can modify restricted network settings. This affects macOS systems before Sequoia 15. The vulnerability allows users without administrative privileges to make unauthorized network configuration changes.
💻 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
An attacker could redirect network traffic, intercept communications, disable network security controls, or create persistent network backdoors.
Likely Case
Malicious local users could bypass network restrictions, change DNS settings, or disrupt network connectivity for other users.
If Mitigated
With proper user privilege separation and network monitoring, impact would be limited to isolated network configuration changes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local user access but no special privileges. The vulnerability is in the permissions model for network settings.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121238
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sequoia 15 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit physical and remote access to vulnerable systems to trusted users only
Monitor network configuration changes
allImplement monitoring for unauthorized network setting modifications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user privilege management and limit local user accounts
- Deploy network monitoring to detect unauthorized network configuration changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if version is earlier than 15.0, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.0 or later in System Settings > General > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized network configuration changes in system logs
- Network settings modifications by non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected DNS or network routing changes
- Network configuration anomalies
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" event_type="network_config_change" user!="admin"