CVE-2024-44279
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-44279 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in macOS file parsing that could allow an attacker to read sensitive information from memory. This affects users running vulnerable versions of macOS Ventura and Sonoma. Successful exploitation could lead to disclosure of user information.
💻 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
An attacker could read sensitive data from memory, potentially exposing passwords, encryption keys, or other confidential information.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of limited memory contents, possibly revealing user data or system information.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are patched or proper input validation is implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to open or parse a specially crafted file. No public exploit code identified.
🛠️ 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 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file processing
allLimit processing of untrusted files through application sandboxing or user education
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can process files
- Educate users about risks of opening untrusted files and implement file type restrictions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Ventura 13.7.1 or Sonoma 14.7.1, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.1 or Sonoma 14.7.1 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes related to file parsing
- Unexpected memory access errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators - file-based attack
SIEM Query:
source="macOS" AND (event="application_crash" OR event="memory_access_violation") AND process="*file_parser*"