CVE-2024-40827
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS vulnerability where an application can overwrite arbitrary files on the system. This affects macOS Sonoma, Monterey, and Ventura before specific patch versions. The vulnerability could allow malicious apps to modify critical system files or user data.
💻 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
A malicious app could overwrite critical system files, potentially leading to system compromise, data destruction, or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could modify user files, configuration files, or application data, leading to data loss, corruption, or unauthorized access.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and user permissions, impact would be limited to files accessible by the user running the vulnerable app.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
macosOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers in System Settings
Use Standard User Account
macosRun daily tasks with standard user privileges instead of administrator account
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which apps can run
- Use endpoint protection software with behavioral analysis to detect suspicious file operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than patched versions listed above, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version matches or exceeds: Sonoma 14.6, Monterey 12.7.6, or Ventura 13.6.8📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file modification events in unified logs
- Multiple file overwrite operations from single application
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" event_type="file_modification" file_path="/System/*" OR file_path="/Library/*" | stats count by process_name🔗 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
