CVE-2024-23272 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/08/2024
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, macOS Ventura 13.6.5. An attacker may gain access to protected parts of the file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23272 represents a logic flaw in apple's macOS operating system that could potentially allow unauthorized access to protected file system components. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the system's access control implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of apple's operating system including macOS monterey 12.7.4, macos sonoma 14.4, and macos ventura 13.6.5, indicating a widespread concern across the apple ecosystem. The fix implemented by apple addresses the underlying logic error through enhanced validation checks that strengthen the system's ability to properly enforce access controls.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as cwe-284, which describes improper access control scenarios where systems fail to properly enforce authorization mechanisms. This weakness category specifically addresses situations where applications or operating systems do not adequately verify user permissions before granting access to protected resources. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive system files, user data, or confidential information stored within protected directories. Attackers exploiting this flaw could gain unauthorized access to file system components that should normally be restricted to authorized users or system processes, creating potential data breaches or system compromise scenarios.
From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk as it could enable lateral movement within compromised systems and facilitate further exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by apple involves strengthening the validation logic that governs access to protected file system areas, ensuring that proper authorization checks are performed before granting access to sensitive resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where macos systems may host sensitive corporate data and require robust access controls. The remediation approach demonstrates apple's commitment to addressing access control weaknesses, though organizations should remain vigilant about the potential for similar logic flaws in other system components. Security professionals should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other operating systems and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to maintain system integrity and protect against unauthorized access attempts.