CVE-2024-54489 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2. Running a mount command may unexpectedly execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54489 represents a critical path handling flaw that affects multiple versions of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue stems from insufficient validation of file paths during mount command execution, creating a potential code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, and macOS Ventura 13.7.2, indicating a widespread concern across Apple's operating system ecosystem. The flaw allows for unexpected arbitrary code execution when a mount command is invoked, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted mount operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of path traversal and command injection attacks, where improper input validation enables attackers to manipulate system behavior through crafted file paths. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the arbitrary code execution capability provides attackers with extensive control over affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves improper path validation mechanisms within the mount command implementation, which fails to properly sanitize or verify input parameters before processing. When a mount command is executed with maliciously crafted path specifications, the system's validation logic does not adequately restrict or filter the input, potentially allowing attackers to inject additional commands or manipulate the execution flow. This flaw aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-78 Command Injection, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses that have been consistently identified as critical threats in software development practices. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the mount command, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including phishing attempts, malicious removable media, or compromised network shares that trigger mount operations.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and command execution. The ability to execute arbitrary code through mount operations provides attackers with opportunities to establish persistence, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that mount operations are commonly used in system administration and user activities, making the attack surface quite broad. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated mount operations or network share access is prevalent. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the core path validation issue by introducing stricter input validation mechanisms that prevent malicious path specifications from being processed. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited remotely or through physical access depending on the attack scenario. The remediation approach focuses on strengthening the mount command's input validation to prevent path manipulation that could lead to unauthorized code execution. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences when such safeguards are inadequate in system-level operations.