CVE-2024-44301
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious application to bypass macOS file system protections and modify restricted areas. It affects macOS Ventura and Sonoma users who haven't applied security updates. The issue stems from improper authorization checks (CWE-863).
💻 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
Malicious app gains root-level file system access, enabling data destruction, persistence mechanisms, or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Malware modifies system files to maintain persistence, disable security controls, or tamper with critical system components.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the compromised application's scope.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application 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
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnforce strict application sandboxing policies to limit file system access
System Integrity Protection (SIP)
allEnsure System Integrity Protection remains enabled to protect critical system areas
csrutil status
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM or security policies
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized software execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: Ventura < 13.7.1 or Sonoma < 14.7.1Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm macOS version is Ventura 13.7.1 or Sonoma 14.7.1 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized file modifications in protected directories
- Application attempting to bypass sandbox restrictions
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="file_modification" AND file_path="/System/*" OR file_path="/usr/*")