CVE-2024-40781 – This CVE describes a local privilege escalation... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-40781?

CVE-2024-40781 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS that allows an attacker with existing local access to gain elevated privileges. It affects macOS Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma before specific patch versions. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege management (CWE-269).

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS that allows an attacker with existing local access to gain elevated privileges. It affects macOS Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma before specific patch versions. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege management (CWE-269).

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

macOS

Versions: Versions before macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8

Operating Systems: macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All default configurations of affected macOS versions are vulnerable. The vulnerability requires local access to exploit.

📦 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

An attacker with local access could gain root privileges, potentially compromising the entire system, accessing sensitive data, installing persistent malware, or bypassing security controls.

🟠

Likely Case

A malicious user or malware with limited local access could escalate to administrative privileges to install unwanted software, modify system settings, or access other user data.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper patch management and least privilege principles, the risk is limited to authorized users who might attempt privilege escalation, which can be detected through monitoring.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability requiring local access; it cannot be exploited remotely over the internet.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Internal users with local access (including compromised accounts or malware) could exploit this to gain elevated privileges, posing significant risk to internal systems.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires local access and some technical knowledge. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed, but details may be available in the referenced security lists.

🛠️ 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. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Install the available update for your macOS version. 4. Restart the system when prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict local access

all

Limit physical and remote local access to vulnerable systems to reduce attack surface.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict least privilege principles: ensure users operate with minimal necessary privileges.
Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts using security tools and logs.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is before Sonoma 14.6, Monterey 12.7.6, or Ventura 13.6.8, the system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

sw_vers

Verify Fix Applied:

After update, verify macOS version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed above.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
Unauthorized sudo or root access attempts

Network Indicators:

Not applicable - local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR event="sudo" OR user="root")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-40781

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-269

Published: July 29, 2024

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

🔗 References

http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20 Mailing List
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120 Vendor Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19 Mailing List
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20 Mailing List
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214118
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214119
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214120

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