CVE-2024-23209 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.3. Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23209 represents a critical memory handling flaw within macOS Sonoma 14.3 that could potentially enable arbitrary code execution through web content processing. This issue specifically affects the web content rendering mechanisms within the operating system's browser components and webkit engine implementations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices that fail to properly validate or sanitize memory allocations during web content processing operations. Attackers could leverage this weakness by crafting malicious web content that triggers the flawed memory handling routines, potentially leading to full system compromise. The issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory corruption vulnerabilities that fall under the CWE-122 category for buffer overflow conditions, though specifically related to improper memory handling rather than traditional buffer overflows.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when web content is processed through the affected macOS components, particularly those responsible for rendering web pages and executing javascript code. The improved memory handling implemented in macOS Sonoma 14.3 addresses the root cause by strengthening memory allocation validation and implementing more robust memory deallocation procedures. This remediation approach aligns with defensive programming practices that prevent memory corruption scenarios from being exploited. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web browser process, which may have elevated system access depending on the specific implementation details. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in the context of modern browser exploitation techniques that rely on memory corruption to achieve code execution.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on macOS systems for web browsing and content processing activities. The arbitrary code execution capability means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment, particularly in environments where users regularly access untrusted web content or where browser-based attacks are a known concern. The remediation process requires careful consideration of deployment timing and potential compatibility issues with existing applications that may rely on the vulnerable memory handling behaviors. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their regular security maintenance procedures, considering the potential for widespread exploitation given the nature of web content processing.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-23209 centers on deploying the macOS Sonoma 14.3 update which includes the enhanced memory handling protections. This update addresses the vulnerability through improved input validation and memory allocation procedures that prevent the conditions necessary for arbitrary code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web content filtering, sandboxing measures, and monitoring for suspicious web content access patterns. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, indicating that exploitation could occur through web-based attack vectors. Network-based defenses such as web proxies with content filtering capabilities can provide additional protection layers while the primary fix is being deployed. Regular security assessments should include verification that the updated memory handling protections are properly implemented and functioning as intended.