CVE-2024-27853 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.4. A maliciously crafted ZIP archive may bypass Gatekeeper checks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27853 represents a significant security flaw in macOS Sonoma 14.4 that affects the Gatekeeper protection mechanism. Gatekeeper serves as a critical security component in Apple's operating system architecture, designed to prevent the execution of unauthorized applications and protect users from potentially malicious software. This vulnerability specifically targets the validation process that occurs when users attempt to open ZIP archives, creating a potential attack vector that could allow malicious actors to bypass essential security controls.
The technical flaw manifests when a maliciously crafted ZIP archive is processed by the system, enabling it to circumvent Gatekeeper's verification procedures. This bypass occurs through improper validation of archive contents, allowing potentially harmful files to be executed without the normal security checks that would typically prevent such actions. The vulnerability exploits weaknesses in how the system handles compressed file formats during the initial execution phase, creating a window where malicious code can be introduced without triggering the appropriate security warnings or restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file execution, as it undermines the fundamental security model that users rely on when interacting with downloaded content. Attackers could potentially package malware within seemingly benign ZIP archives, tricking users into executing malicious payloads while the system incorrectly assumes the files are safe due to the bypassed Gatekeeper checks. This creates a dangerous scenario where users may unknowingly execute harmful software that would normally be blocked by the operating system's security mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a failure in access control validation. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting languages, as malicious code could be embedded within the ZIP archive and executed through various scripting mechanisms. The security implications are particularly concerning given that Gatekeeper is designed to be the first line of defense against unauthorized software execution, making this bypass potentially devastating for user security.
Organizations and individual users should immediately update to macOS Sonoma 14.4 to remediate this vulnerability, as the issue affects the core security framework that protects against unauthorized software execution. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for suspicious ZIP archive handling activities and ensure that all endpoints maintain current security patches. The fix implemented in macOS Sonoma 14.4 includes enhanced validation procedures that properly verify the contents of ZIP archives before allowing execution, thereby restoring the intended security posture that Gatekeeper was designed to provide.