CVE-2024-27825 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
A downgrade issue affecting Intel-based Mac computers was addressed with additional code-signing restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.5. An app may be able to bypass certain Privacy preferences.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-27825 represents a significant security concern for Intel-based Mac systems that was addressed through enhanced code-signing mechanisms. This downgrade issue specifically targets the integrity of macOS security controls and demonstrates how legacy system configurations can create pathways for privilege escalation. The flaw allows malicious applications to potentially bypass established privacy preferences that are normally enforced by the operating system's security framework, undermining the fundamental trust model that protects user data and system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation during system updates or version transitions, particularly affecting systems that may have been downgraded from newer security-protected versions. This issue falls under the broader category of code-signing bypass vulnerabilities, where applications that should be restricted from accessing certain system resources can circumvent these protections through manipulation of the code-signing verification process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where system-wide security policies are enforced, making it a critical attack surface for adversaries seeking persistent access to user data and system controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the trust relationships established by macOS privacy preferences, potentially allowing them to access sensitive user data, monitor system activities, or manipulate system settings without proper authorization. The security implications extend beyond simple data access, as the ability to bypass privacy preferences can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, surveillance capabilities, and system persistence mechanisms. Organizations and individual users who have not updated to macOS Sonoma 14.5 remain at risk of exploitation, as the fix specifically addresses the code-signing restrictions that were previously insufficient to prevent such bypasses.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-27825 centers on the mandatory update to macOS Sonoma 14.5, which implements enhanced code-signing verification mechanisms that prevent the bypass of privacy preferences. This update aligns with the broader security principles outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework where issues related to insufficient validation of code-signing certificates are classified as critical vulnerabilities. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious code-signing activities and ensure that all systems maintain current security patches to prevent exploitation of similar downgrade vulnerabilities that may exist in other system components. The remediation process should include verification of system integrity through proper code-signing validation checks and implementation of continuous monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts that could indicate exploitation of this or related vulnerabilities.