CVE-2024-23236 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
A correctness issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.5. An app may be able to read arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23236 represents a correctness issue that affects macOS Sonoma 14.5 systems, specifically concerning file access controls and privilege escalation mechanisms. This flaw allows malicious applications to potentially read arbitrary files from the system, which constitutes a significant security risk for user data confidentiality and system integrity. The issue was addressed through improved validation checks within the operating system's file access mechanisms, demonstrating Apple's ongoing commitment to maintaining robust security controls in their mobile and desktop platforms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control enforcement within macOS file system operations. When an application attempts to access files, proper validation should occur to ensure that the requesting process has appropriate authorization and that the file access request adheres to established security policies. The flaw likely involves insufficient boundary checking or validation of file paths, allowing an attacker to manipulate file access requests to bypass normal security restrictions. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper input validation issues that can lead to unauthorized data access and potential information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23236 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive user data, system configuration files, and potentially confidential application data. Attackers might exploit this vulnerability to gather intelligence about system configurations, user activities, or to extract valuable information from files that should remain protected. The ability to read arbitrary files creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system reconnaissance activities that could compromise the overall security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for Data from Local System and T1074 for Data Staged, as it enables unauthorized access to system files and data.
Security professionals should prioritize patching systems running macOS Sonoma 14.5 to address this vulnerability, as the issue represents a direct threat to system confidentiality and user privacy. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and ensure that all systems are updated to the latest security patches. The fix implemented by Apple likely involves strengthening the validation checks that occur during file access operations, ensuring that applications cannot bypass normal access controls through malformed or manipulated file path requests. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and the potential consequences of operating on vulnerable software versions. The remediation process should include verifying that the patch has been successfully applied and monitoring for any anomalous file access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts.