CVE-2024-44128 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
This issue was addressed by adding an additional prompt for user consent. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Ventura 13.7. An Automator Quick Action workflow may be able to bypass Gatekeeper.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a significant bypass of macOS security controls that could allow malicious workflows to execute without proper user consent. The issue specifically affects Automator Quick Action workflows and demonstrates a flaw in how Gatekeeper enforces security policies for these particular workflow types. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation mechanisms that should have prevented unauthorized execution of automated tasks. Security researchers identified that when users interact with certain Quick Action workflows, the system fails to properly verify that appropriate user consent has been obtained before allowing execution. This represents a critical gap in the operating system's application security model and could enable attackers to execute malicious code through seemingly benign automated processes.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate enforcement of user consent prompts during workflow execution, particularly for Quick Action workflows that are designed to be triggered from the context menu. When users interact with these workflows, the system should require explicit confirmation before proceeding with potentially harmful operations. However, the vulnerability allows malicious actors to craft workflows that bypass this essential security check, effectively circumventing the Gatekeeper protection mechanism that is meant to prevent unauthorized software execution. This bypass is particularly concerning because Quick Actions are designed to be easily accessible and frequently used, making them ideal attack vectors for social engineering campaigns. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which malicious workflows can execute with elevated privileges without proper user awareness or approval.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized execution, as it undermines the fundamental security model of macOS applications and user consent mechanisms. Attackers could potentially distribute malicious Quick Action workflows through various channels, including phishing emails or compromised websites, where users might unknowingly trigger these workflows and execute malicious code on their systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for automated execution without requiring user interaction beyond the initial workflow trigger, potentially enabling persistent threats or data exfiltration. Organizations using macOS systems could face significant security risks, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the operating system and could be exploited by threat actors with minimal technical expertise. The impact is amplified by the fact that Quick Actions are commonly used for routine tasks, making users less likely to scrutinize workflow execution.
Organizations should immediately update to the patched versions of macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7 to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for unauthorized workflow installations and regularly audit user consent settings for automated processes. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the core issue by adding additional prompt requirements for user consent before workflow execution, aligning with security best practices outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining comprehensive user consent mechanisms for all automated processes and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of application execution pathways. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious workflow execution patterns and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.