CVE-2024-40816
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in macOS that could allow a local attacker to cause unexpected system shutdown. The vulnerability affects macOS Sonoma, Monterey, and Ventura before specific patch versions. Apple has addressed this with improved input validation in security updates.
💻 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
Local attacker gains system-level access leading to denial of service through system shutdown, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
Local user or malware triggers system crash/reboot, causing temporary denial of service and potential data loss in unsaved work.
If Mitigated
System remains stable with no impact if patched or proper access controls prevent local attacker execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and specific conditions to trigger the out-of-bounds read. 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, https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available macOS updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user accounts and implement least privilege access controls to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts
- Monitor for unexpected system shutdowns and investigate root causes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: System Settings > General > About. If version is Sonoma <14.6, Monterey <12.7.6, or Ventura <13.6.8, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Sonoma 14.6, Monterey 12.7.6, or Ventura 13.6.8 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected system shutdowns/reboots in system logs
- Kernel panic logs
- Console app crash reports
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="shutdown" OR event="reboot") AND NOT user="root" AND NOT reason="scheduled"🔗 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
