CVE-2024-54533
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS sandbox escape vulnerability where malicious applications can bypass sandbox restrictions to access sensitive user data. It affects macOS Ventura and Sonoma systems before specific security updates. Users running unpatched versions are vulnerable to data exfiltration.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app gains full access to user's personal files, credentials, browsing history, and other sensitive data stored on the system.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate apps access documents, photos, or other user data within the sandbox escape scope.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, risk is limited to targeted attacks requiring user interaction.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install and run a malicious application. No public exploit code available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122374
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Verify system is updated to required version
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
macOSOnly install apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or identified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) to monitor for suspicious sandbox escape attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Ventura 13.7.5 or Sonoma 14.7.5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.5 or Sonoma 14.7.5 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual sandbox violation logs in Console.app
- Suspicious app behavior accessing protected directories
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound data transfers from sandboxed applications
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name contains "sandbox" and event_type contains "violation"