CVE-2024-44236 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, macOS Ventura 13.7.1. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-44236 represents a critical out-of-bounds access flaw that affects multiple versions of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the system's file processing routines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory access violations. The vulnerability manifests when the operating system attempts to process maliciously crafted files, potentially leading to application crashes or unexpected termination events. Such out-of-bounds access issues typically arise when software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. This weakness category encompasses scenarios where applications fail to validate input data against established boundaries, allowing attackers to access memory regions beyond intended limits. The flaw operates at the kernel or system-level processing components where file parsing and validation occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. The vulnerability's impact is mitigated through improved bounds checking mechanisms that were implemented in the security updates released for macOS Sequoia 15.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, and macOS Ventura 13.7.1.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise environments where macOS systems handle diverse file types from untrusted sources. The potential for unexpected application termination creates opportunities for denial-of-service attacks that could disrupt critical business operations, particularly in environments where specific applications depend on file processing capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could potentially exploit the instability to execute malicious payloads through compromised applications. Organizations running affected macOS versions face elevated risk of system compromise, especially in scenarios where users regularly interact with external file attachments or network resources.
The remediation strategy involves immediate deployment of the security patches released by Apple for the affected macOS versions, ensuring that all systems receive the updated bounds checking implementations. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to address this vulnerability across their entire fleet of macOS devices, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in high-risk environments. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to application crashes or unexpected terminations that could signal exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's resolution through improved bounds checking demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing memory safety issues in their operating system, aligning with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow attacks and maintaining system integrity. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification that affected systems have been properly updated to prevent exploitation of this out-of-bounds access flaw.