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CVE-2024-44295

5.5 MEDIUM

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a macOS vulnerability where an application can bypass entitlement checks to modify protected areas of the file system. It affects macOS Ventura and Sonoma systems before specific patch versions. The vulnerability could allow malicious apps to tamper with system files or sensitive data.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • macOS
Versions: macOS Ventura before 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma before 14.7.1
Operating Systems: macOS
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All default configurations of affected macOS versions are vulnerable. Requires app execution on the system.

📦 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

A malicious app could modify critical system files, install persistent malware, or tamper with security configurations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious apps could modify user data or install unwanted software with elevated privileges, though full system compromise would require additional vulnerabilities.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper app vetting and security controls, impact is limited to apps that have already bypassed initial security checks.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires local app execution, not directly exploitable over network.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Malicious or compromised apps could exploit this locally, but requires user interaction or app installation.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code has been disclosed.

🛠️ 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

macOS

Only allow app installation from App Store and identified developers in System Settings

Enable Gatekeeper

macOS

Ensure Gatekeeper is enabled to verify app signatures before execution

sudo spctl --master-enable

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement application allowlisting to restrict which apps can run
  • Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious file system modifications

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura < 13.7.1 or Sonoma < 14.7.1, system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

sw_vers

Verify 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:

  • Unusual file modifications in protected directories
  • App execution with unexpected entitlements

Network Indicators:

  • Not applicable - local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

source="macos" AND (event_type="file_modification" AND file_path IN ("/System/*", "/Library/*", "/private/*"))

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-44295
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: October 28, 2024
Last Updated: November 3, 2025

🔗 References

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