CVE-2024-40848 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
A downgrade issue was addressed with additional code-signing restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Ventura 13.7. An attacker may be able to read sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40848 represents a significant downgrade issue within Apple's macOS ecosystem that was addressed through enhanced code-signing restrictions. This flaw specifically affects versions of macOS prior to the aforementioned security updates, creating a potential vector for unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that allow for improper version downgrades, potentially enabling malicious actors to exploit weakened security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves weaknesses in the code-signing verification process that governs macOS software updates and installations. When system components are downgraded to older versions, the enhanced code-signing restrictions that were previously enforced become bypassed, creating an attack surface where sensitive information can be accessed without proper authorization. This flaw operates at the intersection of software integrity verification and system security controls, fundamentally undermining the trust model that macOS employs to protect user data and system resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for macOS users and organizations that may be running unsupported or outdated versions of the operating system. Attackers can potentially exploit this downgrade capability to access sensitive information stored within system memory, user files, or system configuration data that would normally be protected by the enhanced security measures present in updated versions. The implications extend beyond individual user privacy to include potential corporate data breaches and unauthorized access to critical system resources.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-40848 requires immediate deployment of the security updates released for macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all macOS devices are updated to the latest supported versions. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems that may have been compromised through exploitation of this downgrade vulnerability. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized system modifications or downgrade attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in code-signing implementations, and reflects patterns commonly seen in software supply chain attacks where downgrade capabilities are exploited to bypass security controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1552, which encompasses techniques for data handling and credential access, as attackers can potentially leverage the downgrade mechanism to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The remediation efforts should include not only the immediate patching but also enhanced monitoring of system integrity verification processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software releases.