CVE-2024-54531
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an application to bypass kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (kASLR) on macOS, potentially enabling attackers to more easily exploit other memory corruption vulnerabilities. It affects macOS systems before version 15.2. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are 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
Successful exploitation could enable privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution in kernel context by chaining with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
Information disclosure about kernel memory layout, making subsequent exploitation of other vulnerabilities easier.
If Mitigated
Limited information disclosure with no direct code execution capability.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local app execution and likely needs to be chained with other vulnerabilities for full impact.
🛠️ 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 Control
allRestrict execution of untrusted applications through MDM or security software
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Monitor for suspicious process behavior and kernel memory access attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > AboutCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.2 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual kernel memory access patterns
- Processes attempting to read kernel memory regions
SIEM Query:
Processes with unusual kernel memory access patterns on macOS systems