CVE-2024-44156
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path deletion vulnerability in macOS that allows applications to bypass Privacy preferences. It affects macOS Ventura and Sonoma systems, potentially enabling malicious apps to access protected data or system resources without proper user consent.
💻 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 delete critical system files, access sensitive user data (photos, contacts, documents), or modify system configurations leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious apps bypassing privacy controls to access user data like camera, microphone, location, or files without user permission.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user awareness, impact is limited to privacy violations rather than system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires creating or modifying an app to leverage the vulnerability. No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121568
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow apps from App Store or identified developers in System Settings > Privacy & Security
Monitor Privacy Permissions
allRegularly review and revoke unnecessary app permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Educate users about risks of installing apps from untrusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: Ventura versions before 13.7.1 or Sonoma versions before 14.7.1 are vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.1 or later, or Sonoma 14.7.1 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected app requests for privacy permissions
- Apps accessing protected resources without proper permissions
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
macOS logs showing app permission bypass attempts or unexpected resource access