CVE-2024-44243 – This CVE describes a macOS configuration vulner... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-44243?

CVE-2024-44243 has a CVSS score of 5.5 (MEDIUM). This CVE describes a macOS configuration vulnerability that allows applications to modify protected areas of the file system. It affects macOS systems before version 15.2 (Sequoia). The vulnerability could enable malicious apps to tamper with system files or sensitive data.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a macOS configuration vulnerability that allows applications to modify protected areas of the file system. It affects macOS systems before version 15.2 (Sequoia). The vulnerability could enable malicious apps to tamper with system files or sensitive data.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

macOS

Versions: Versions before macOS Sequoia 15.2

Operating Systems: macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All default macOS configurations before the patched version are vulnerable. The vulnerability is in the operating system's file system protection mechanisms.

📦 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

A malicious application could modify critical system files, install persistent malware, escalate privileges, or compromise system integrity.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious apps could modify user data or install unwanted software, potentially leading to data loss or unauthorized access.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to trusted applications behaving maliciously.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires local application execution, not directly exploitable over the internet.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Malicious or compromised applications on internal systems could exploit this vulnerability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public proof-of-concept has been identified in the provided references.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.2

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121839

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Open System Settings. 2. Click General. 3. Click Software Update. 4. Install macOS Sequoia 15.2 update. 5. Restart when prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict Application Installation

all

Only install applications from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or identified developers.

Enable Gatekeeper

all

Ensure Gatekeeper is enabled to block apps from unidentified developers.

sudo spctl --master-enable

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run on the system.
Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious file system modifications.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version: if running macOS Sequoia earlier than 15.2, the system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

sw_vers

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify macOS version is 15.2 or later after applying the update.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual file system modification events in system logs
Applications attempting to write to protected directories

Network Indicators:

Not applicable - local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="file_modification" AND path CONTAINS "/System/" OR path CONTAINS "/Library/")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-44243

CVSS v3 Score: 5.5 (MEDIUM)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

Published: December 12, 2024

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

🔗 References

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