CVE-2024-44188
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions vulnerability in macOS that allows applications to bypass intended restrictions and access protected user data. It affects macOS systems before Sequoia 15, potentially exposing sensitive information to malicious or compromised applications.
💻 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 application could access sensitive user data including documents, photos, credentials, or other protected information without user consent.
Likely Case
Compromised or poorly-behaved applications could inadvertently access protected data they shouldn't have permissions for, potentially leaking user information.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, risk is limited to trusted applications that might have unintended access to some protected data.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires convincing user to install/run malicious application or compromising existing legitimate application.
🛠️ 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
Application Restriction
allOnly install applications from trusted sources and the App Store
Gatekeeper Enforcement
macOSEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to block unsigned applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Use endpoint protection to monitor for suspicious application behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 15, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access to protected directories
- Security framework permission denials
- Application sandbox violations
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macOS" (event_type="permission_denied" OR event_type="sandbox_violation") AND process_name NOT IN (trusted_applications)