CVE-2024-44224
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS permissions vulnerability that allows malicious applications to escalate privileges to root access. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia versions before specific security updates. Users running unpatched macOS systems are vulnerable to complete system compromise.
💻 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
Complete system takeover with root privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and system destruction.
Likely Case
Malicious app gains root access to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if app sandboxing and security controls prevent malicious app installation in first place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires user to run malicious application. Public disclosure suggests exploit code may be available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121839
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
macOSOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
macOSRestrict applications from accessing sensitive system areas
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.2, Sonoma <14.7.2, or Sequoia <15.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.2, Sonoma 14.7.2, or Sequoia 15.2 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system.log
- Processes running as root from user applications
- Authorization events in authd logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
process.parent.name="*" AND process.name="*" AND process.elevated_token=true AND user.name!="root"