CVE-2024-54528
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a logic flaw in macOS that allows an application to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific patch versions. The vulnerability could enable malicious apps to modify critical system files or user data.
💻 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
Complete system compromise through overwriting critical system files, installation of persistent malware, or destruction of user data.
Likely Case
Malicious app modifies user files, installs unwanted software, or gains elevated privileges by overwriting configuration files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if app sandboxing is properly enforced and users only install trusted applications from the App Store.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed locally. No public exploit code has been identified in the provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2
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
Restrict App Installation Sources
macosConfigure macOS to only allow app installations from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
macosUse Privacy & Security settings to restrict which apps have full disk access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run
- Use macOS Privacy Controls to limit file access permissions for all applications
🔍 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 13.7.2, 14.7.2, or 15.2 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file modification events in system.log
- Applications requesting excessive file permissions
- Console.app entries showing unexpected file writes
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="file_modification" OR event="permission_request") AND severity=HIGH