CVE-2024-44305
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious application to gain root privileges on affected macOS systems. It affects macOS Sonoma versions before 14.6. The issue was addressed by Apple removing the vulnerable code.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and full system control.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains root privileges to bypass security controls and access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles are enforced, though root access still poses significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be executed on the target system. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120911
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sonoma 14.6 update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Sonoma and less than 14.6, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 14.6 or higher in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Applications gaining root privileges unexpectedly
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="sudo" OR user="root")