CVE-2024-54547
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass security checks and access protected user data they shouldn't have permission to view. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia users who haven't applied the latest security updates. The issue could expose sensitive information like passwords, documents, or personal data to malicious applications.
💻 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 application could access and exfiltrate sensitive user data including passwords, financial information, personal documents, and authentication tokens, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or further system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious applications in the App Store or downloaded from untrusted sources could access user data they're not authorized to see, potentially exposing personal information, browsing history, or local files.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing, least privilege principles, and user vigilance about app permissions, the impact is limited to data the user has already granted some level of access to.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. The vulnerability bypasses security checks rather than providing direct remote access.
🛠️ 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Click 'Update Now' if updates are available. 3. Follow on-screen instructions to download and install. 4. Restart your Mac when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnsure all applications run with appropriate sandboxing and only grant necessary permissions
Gatekeeper Settings
allConfigure Gatekeeper to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of new applications to only trusted sources and verified developers
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent execution of unauthorized or unknown 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:
After updating, 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 application access to protected directories
- Security framework denials followed by successful access
- Console logs showing sandbox violations
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from applications accessing sensitive data
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event_type="sandbox_violation" OR event_type="file_access") AND (target_path CONTAINS "/Library/Keychains/" OR target_path CONTAINS "/Users/*/Library/")