CVE-2024-40859
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows applications to bypass intended permission restrictions and access sensitive user data. It affects macOS systems before Sequoia 15. The issue stems from improper permission handling (CWE-281).
💻 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
Malicious app could access private user data including documents, photos, messages, or credentials stored insecurely by other applications.
Likely Case
Legitimate but poorly sandboxed apps could inadvertently access data they shouldn't, or malware could harvest limited sensitive information.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user permission controls, impact is minimal as most apps follow sandboxing rules.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install/run a malicious app or compromise an existing app. No public exploit details available.
🛠️ 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 App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like Mac App Store or identified developers
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
Review App Permissions
allRegularly audit and restrict app permissions in System Settings
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Review permissions for each app category
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized apps from running
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if before 15.0, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.0 or later after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Permission denial logs followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event="file_access" OR event="permission_denied") app NOT IN (approved_apps_list)