CVE-2024-40802 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8. A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40802 represents a privilege escalation flaw within Apple's macOS operating system that could be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated system privileges. This issue was specifically addressed through enhanced validation mechanisms implemented in the affected operating system versions. The vulnerability affects macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, and macOS Ventura 13.6.8, indicating that prior versions contained implementation gaps that allowed unauthorized privilege elevation. The flaw resides in the operating system's privilege management controls, potentially enabling malicious actors with local access to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative or root access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation or access control mechanisms within the macOS kernel or system services. According to CWE classification, this would likely fall under CWE-284 Access Control Issues or potentially CWE-276 Improper File Permissions, as the flaw allows unauthorized privilege escalation through local system access. The issue represents a critical security gap in the operating system's privilege separation mechanisms, where proper access controls fail to prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access restricted system resources, or modify critical system files.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40802 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates potential pathways for further system compromise and data exfiltration. A local attacker with basic user credentials could leverage this vulnerability to gain root access, effectively bypassing the operating system's security model. This creates a significant risk for environments where local access is possible, including shared workstations, systems with unsecured physical access, or environments where users have legitimate access but could be compromised. The vulnerability could enable attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system integrity checks, or access sensitive user data and system configurations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1548 Abuse of Cloud Credentials, though the latter would apply more specifically to cloud environments where local access is combined with cloud service integration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40802 primarily involve immediate deployment of the patched operating system versions mentioned in the advisory. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected macOS systems to the patched versions, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be vulnerable. Additional mitigations include implementing strict physical access controls, monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts, and conducting regular security audits of system configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication, system integrity monitoring, and regular privilege reviews. The enhanced checks implemented in the patched versions likely include stricter validation of privilege elevation requests, improved kernel access controls, and more robust validation of system calls that could be exploited for privilege escalation. Security teams should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems are properly patched and updated according to Apple's security advisories.