CVE-2024-44160 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2024
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Ventura 13.7. Processing a maliciously crafted texture may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that affects Apple's macOS operating system across multiple versions including Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14.7, and Ventura 13.7. The flaw manifests when the system processes specially crafted texture data, which falls under the category of memory safety issues commonly classified as CWE-121. The vulnerability occurs during the handling of graphical assets where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in graphics processing contexts as it can be exploited through multimedia content or applications that load external textures. The security implications extend beyond simple application crashes, as buffer overflows often provide pathways for more sophisticated attacks including code execution. The fix implemented by Apple involves enhanced memory management protocols that properly validate texture dimensions and data boundaries before processing. This remediation aligns with industry best practices for preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities and follows the ATT&CK framework's approach to mitigating software exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to any macOS system running the affected versions that process external graphics content or textures. Applications that load third-party assets, game engines, graphic design software, or any system utilizing texture processing are at risk. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a maliciously crafted texture file, making it a targeted attack vector rather than a widespread threat. However, the potential for unexpected application termination represents a significant security concern as it can be leveraged to disrupt system operations or serve as a precursor to more serious exploits. The buffer overflow could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution, particularly in scenarios where the system processes untrusted graphics data from web content or file transfers.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to the patched versions of macOS where available. Organizations should implement strict content filtering protocols for graphics assets, particularly those sourced from untrusted origins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper memory management in graphics processing pipelines, which should be reinforced through security code reviews and static analysis tools. System administrators should monitor for any unusual application crashes or unexpected terminations that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing memory safety issues through proactive patch management, which aligns with the NIST cybersecurity framework's emphasis on vulnerability management and risk mitigation. The remediation serves as a good example of how proper bounds checking and memory handling can prevent the exploitation of buffer overflow conditions, reinforcing the principle that defensive programming practices are essential for maintaining system integrity.