CVE-2024-23230 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/08/2024
This issue was addressed with improved file handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, macOS Ventura 13.6.5. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
CVE-2024-23230 represents a file handling vulnerability that could potentially allow malicious applications to access sensitive user data through improper file system operations. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper file handling flaws that have been catalogued under CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of a resource through an unspecified mechanism. The issue manifests when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize file operations, creating opportunities for unauthorized data access.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from inadequate file system validation mechanisms within the operating system's core file handling processes. When applications interact with file systems, they typically rely on standard APIs and system calls to perform operations such as file creation, reading, writing, and deletion. The vulnerability occurs when these operations do not properly enforce access controls or validate the legitimacy of file operations, potentially allowing applications to traverse file system boundaries or access files they should not be permitted to read. This type of flaw can be particularly dangerous when it involves user data, as it may enable information disclosure attacks where unauthorized applications can access sensitive personal information.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23230 extends beyond simple data access violations to encompass broader security implications for user privacy and system integrity. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to personal documents, communications, financial records, or other sensitive data stored on affected systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of macOS, including Monterey 12.7.4, Sonoma 14.4, and Ventura 13.6.5, indicating that the flaw has existed across several major operating system releases. This widespread impact suggests that the vulnerability may be particularly insidious as it could affect a large user base, potentially enabling large-scale data harvesting operations. The issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001, which involves data staging through the creation of temporary files or use of other temporary mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to access or manipulate sensitive data.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-23230 focuses primarily on updating to the patched versions of macOS as specified in the advisory. System administrators and users should immediately apply the security updates for macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, and macOS Ventura 13.6.5 to resolve the vulnerability. Beyond patch management, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file access patterns and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the underlying file handling mechanisms by improving validation procedures and access control enforcement, preventing applications from performing unauthorized file operations that could lead to information disclosure. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional controls such as file integrity monitoring, application whitelisting, and network traffic analysis to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and resource management in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data, reinforcing the principle that file system security is fundamental to overall system security posture.