CVE-2024-54520
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path validation vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia operating systems before specific patch versions. The vulnerability could enable privilege escalation or data destruction attacks.
💻 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
An attacker could overwrite critical system files, leading to complete system compromise, data destruction, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could overwrite user data files, configuration files, or gain limited privilege escalation to modify protected directories.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact would be limited to the application's own sandbox or user-writable areas.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to run malicious application. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/121839
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macosRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
File System Protection
macosEnable additional file system protections where possible
sudo chmod -R go-w /System
sudo chmod -R go-w /usr
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Use macOS Gatekeeper and only allow apps from identified developers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running Ventura <13.7.2, Sonoma <14.7.2, or Sequoia <15.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.2+, Sonoma 14.7.2+, or Sequoia 15.2+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file modification patterns in system logs
- Applications attempting to write to protected directories
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="file_modification" AND target_path IN ("/System/*", "/usr/*", "/etc/*"))