CVE-2024-54498
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS where improper path validation allows malicious applications to break out of their security sandbox. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific patch versions. Attackers could potentially gain elevated privileges or access restricted system resources.
💻 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 →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 escape its sandbox, gain root privileges, install persistent malware, access sensitive user data, and compromise the entire system.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass sandbox restrictions to access files and resources they shouldn't, potentially stealing data or performing unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to untrusted applications that manage to bypass macOS security checks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. Public disclosures suggest proof-of-concept code exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, 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 available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macosRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications using macOS security settings
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for sandbox escape attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.2, Sonoma <14.7.2, or Sequoia <15.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.2, Sonoma 14.7.2, or Sequoia 15.2 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process spawning from sandboxed applications
- File access violations in sandbox logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- None specific - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process where (parent_process_name contains "sandbox" or process_name contains "sandbox") and (event_type="process_creation" or event_type="privilege_escalation")