CVE-2024-27878 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.6. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that existed within the macOS kernel implementation, specifically affecting systems running macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.6. The flaw stems from inadequate memory handling practices that allow malicious applications to manipulate kernel memory structures through improper bounds checking. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in kernel space. Such conditions create opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical kernel data structures or execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The security implications are particularly severe because the exploit can be triggered by a regular application, meaning that any app with user-level execution capabilities could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain kernel-level access. This represents a privilege escalation vector that directly violates the fundamental security model of macOS, where user-space applications should be isolated from kernel memory space. The issue is particularly concerning in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation tactic, where adversaries seek to elevate their access level to gain system-level control. The fix implemented in macOS Sonoma 14.6 addresses the root cause by introducing enhanced memory management controls and stricter bounds checking mechanisms within the kernel's memory allocation routines. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory boundary enforcement in kernel-level code, as highlighted by the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. Systems running affected versions of macOS are at risk of complete system compromise, as the attacker could potentially bypass security measures like System Integrity Protection and execute arbitrary code with the highest possible privileges. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited in zero-day attacks targeting enterprise environments where macOS systems are prevalent. The flaw underscores the critical nature of kernel security in operating systems and the necessity for robust memory safety mechanisms to prevent unauthorized code execution at the most privileged levels of the system architecture.