CVE-2024-44283 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
An out-of-bounds read 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. Parsing a maliciously crafted file may lead to an unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic out-of-bounds read flaw that was successfully mitigated through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms. The issue affects Apple's macOS operating system across multiple versions including Sequoia 15.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, and Ventura 13.7.1. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes maliciously crafted files that trigger an unexpected memory access pattern beyond allocated buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds read conditions typically occur when input validation fails to properly constrain data access within predetermined memory limits, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to disrupt normal application behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting specific file formats that cause the parsing routines to access memory locations outside their intended boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a fundamental security weakness in memory management. When the system attempts to parse these malicious files, the out-of-bounds read can cause the application to access invalid memory addresses, leading to abrupt termination of the affected process. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation and memory boundary enforcement in preventing unauthorized memory access patterns.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to end-user systems as it can be triggered through seemingly benign file processing activities. Attackers can potentially exploit this weakness by delivering malicious files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The unexpected application termination represents a denial-of-service condition that can disrupt user productivity and potentially provide a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain system access or cause service disruption.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves updating to the patched versions of macOS as specified in the advisory. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected endpoints to ensure protection against potential exploitation. The fix implemented by Apple demonstrates proper defensive programming practices through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms that validate array indices before memory access operations. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including email filtering, web content scanning, and user education to reduce the likelihood of encountering malicious files that could trigger this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems within the network infrastructure.