CVE-2024-44151
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS permissions vulnerability where applications can bypass file system protections to modify restricted areas. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia versions before the patched releases. The issue allows unauthorized file system modifications that could compromise system integrity.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app could modify critical system files, install persistent malware, or tamper with security configurations leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications could modify user data, install unwanted software, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, impact limited to isolated file modifications within sandboxed environments.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Sequoia 15
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121234
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict application installations to App Store and identified developers only
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
File System Monitoring
allMonitor critical system directories for unauthorized modifications
sudo fswatch /System/Library /usr/local /Library
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Enable full disk encryption and regular integrity checks of system files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running Ventura <13.7, Sonoma <14.7, or Sequoia <15, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, or Sequoia 15 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized file modifications in /System, /Library, or protected directories in Unified Logs
- Application execution logs showing unexpected process activity
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications with file system access
SIEM Query:
process where (parent_process_name contains "install" or parent_process_name contains "app") and (file_path contains "/System/" or file_path contains "/Library/")