CVE-2024-40816 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. 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 cause unexpected system shutdown.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40816 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that affects Apple's macOS operating system across multiple versions including Monterey 12.7.6, Sonoma 14.6, and Ventura 13.6.8. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129 which specifically addresses improper validation of array index values. The flaw occurs when the system processes input data without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to access memory locations beyond the intended array boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential exploitation for more severe attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within macOS system components. When legitimate input data is processed by system functions, the absence of proper boundary checks allows maliciously crafted data to trigger memory access violations. The out-of-bounds read condition specifically manifests when the system attempts to read data from memory locations that extend beyond the allocated buffer space. This memory access pattern can cause system instability and potentially enable an attacker to extract sensitive information from adjacent memory locations or manipulate system behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to macOS systems as it can be exploited by local attackers to cause unexpected system shutdowns. The attack vector requires local system access, meaning an attacker must already have user-level privileges or physical access to the target machine. However, the potential impact extends beyond simple system disruption, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially be leveraged to extract kernel memory contents or manipulate system state. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, as local attackers could use this flaw to establish more persistent access or escalate privileges through system instability.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2024-40816 focuses on implementing improved input validation mechanisms that properly enforce array boundary checks. Apple's release of patches for macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, and macOS Ventura 13.6.8 demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing memory safety issues. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected macOS installations to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly suitable for defensive measures including runtime monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and enhanced input validation at system boundaries. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application sandboxing and kernel patch protection to further mitigate potential exploitation attempts.