CVE-2024-23299 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2024
The 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 app may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
This vulnerability represents a sandbox escape flaw that allows malicious applications to bypass system security restrictions on Apple macOS platforms. The issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the operating system's sandboxing architecture, which is designed to isolate applications and prevent them from accessing unauthorized system resources or user data. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions including Monterey 12.7.4, Sonoma 14.4, and Ventura 13.6.5, indicating it was present across a significant portion of the macOS ecosystem. Sandboxing is a critical security control that implements the principle of least privilege by restricting application access to system resources, file systems, and network connections. When this protection is compromised, it creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain access to sensitive information or system functionalities that should remain restricted.
The technical implementation of this sandbox escape likely involves exploiting weaknesses in the system call filtering mechanisms or privilege boundary enforcement within the macOS kernel. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to access files outside an application's designated sandbox, read system configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privileges, and specifically relates to improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to system resources. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause through enhanced validation checks that strengthen the boundaries between sandboxed applications and the underlying operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it undermines fundamental security assumptions of the macOS platform. Applications that rely on sandboxing for security isolation could be compromised, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized system access, or complete system compromise. Attackers could use this vulnerability to target sensitive applications such as web browsers, email clients, or productivity software that are commonly used to process untrusted content. The vulnerability also presents risk to enterprise environments where sandboxing is used as a defense-in-depth mechanism to protect against malicious software and zero-day exploits. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1497 which covers virtualization and container abuse, as the sandbox escape effectively allows attackers to manipulate the virtualized execution environment.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of the patched macOS versions provided by Apple, as these updates contain the necessary validation improvements to prevent the sandbox escape. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected macOS installations, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may be exposed to potential exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious application behavior, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence regarding exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the ongoing need for robust sandboxing implementations in modern operating systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that system security controls remain effective against evolving threats.