CVE-2024-54465
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS where a malicious application could exploit a logic flaw in state management to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects macOS systems prior to Sequoia 15.2. Any user running a vulnerable macOS version with untrusted applications is at risk.
💻 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
A malicious application could gain root privileges, allowing complete system compromise, data theft, installation of persistent malware, or disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass sandbox restrictions, access protected system resources, or modify system files without proper authorization.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to trusted applications behaving maliciously or sophisticated targeted attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be executed on the target system. The logic flaw in state management suggests specific timing or race conditions may be involved.
🛠️ 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
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications using MDM or security policies
Enhanced Monitoring
allMonitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts using endpoint security tools
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: If version is earlier than 15.2, the system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.2 or later after update installation📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Applications requesting elevated privileges unexpectedly
- Changes to system files by non-system processes
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="sudo" OR process_name="su") AND NOT user="root"