CVE-2024-44148 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
This issue was addressed with improved validation of file attributes. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15. An app may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-44148 represents a sandbox escape flaw in macOS Sequoia 15 that allows applications to potentially bypass system security boundaries. This issue specifically relates to insufficient validation of file attributes within the operating system's security framework, creating a pathway for malicious software to elevate privileges and access resources beyond their designated sandboxed environment. The flaw exists in the core file attribute validation mechanisms that are responsible for maintaining the isolation between applications and system resources. When an application fails to properly validate file attributes during operations, it may inadvertently allow access to restricted files or directories that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security model of macOS, which relies on strict sandboxing to prevent applications from accessing sensitive system components or user data without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the file attribute handling subsystem of the operating system. The flaw allows an application to manipulate or bypass checks that would normally prevent access to restricted file attributes, effectively creating a mechanism for privilege escalation. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting specific file operations that circumvent the normal validation procedures, potentially enabling them to read or modify files that should be protected by the sandbox. This issue is particularly concerning because it operates at a low level within the system architecture, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through traditional security measures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055 for privilege escalation through sandbox escape mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient validation of system resources can create persistent security weaknesses that undermine the entire security architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-44148 extends beyond simple data access violations, as it enables potential full system compromise through sandbox escape. Applications that successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive user data, system configuration files, and other protected resources that are normally restricted to prevent unauthorized access. This could lead to data exfiltration, system corruption, or the installation of additional malicious software that operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the core security model of macOS, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls that are designed to protect against various attack vectors including malware distribution, credential theft, and system manipulation. Organizations relying on macOS for security-sensitive operations face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions that protect against application-based threats. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where macOS devices handle sensitive corporate data and where traditional security controls may not prevent this type of low-level privilege escalation.
The remediation for CVE-2024-44148 requires immediate deployment of the macOS Sequoia 15 update that includes the necessary validation improvements. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems receive the security update that addresses the file attribute validation flaw. Organizations should also implement monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual file access patterns or privilege escalation activities. Additional security measures include regular security assessments of sandboxed applications, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and enhanced logging of file system operations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing more robust validation mechanisms that properly check file attributes before allowing access to system resources, ensuring that applications cannot bypass security controls through attribute manipulation. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit trails of system operations that could indicate successful sandbox escape activities.