CVE-2024-54506 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.2. An attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or arbitrary code execution in DCP firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54506 represents a critical out-of-bounds access flaw within the DCP firmware component of macOS Sequoia 15.2 systems. This issue stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate memory access operations within the firmware's execution environment. The flaw exists at the intersection of hardware firmware and operating system security controls, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors with sufficient privileges or access to manipulate firmware execution paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overread condition where the DCP firmware does not adequately verify array indices or memory boundaries before accessing allocated memory regions. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 classification for Improper Validation of Array Index, which is commonly associated with memory corruption vulnerabilities. The absence of proper bounds checking allows an attacker to potentially manipulate memory access patterns that could lead to unauthorized code execution within the firmware context. The DCP firmware, responsible for device configuration and control protocols, becomes a critical attack vector when subjected to such memory access violations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-54506 extends beyond simple system instability to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities within the firmware layer. This vulnerability presents a significant risk to system integrity as it could enable attackers to gain persistent control over device firmware operations, potentially allowing for the installation of malicious firmware modifications or the exploitation of other firmware-based attack vectors. The fix implemented in macOS Sequoia 15.2 addresses this issue through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms that validate all memory access operations before execution. This remediation approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.008 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it prevents malicious code from leveraging the vulnerable firmware interface to execute unauthorized commands.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader firmware security assessment, particularly in environments where device integrity and firmware security are paramount. The mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of macOS Sequoia 15.2 updates across affected systems, as well as implementation of firmware integrity monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a firmware-level issue places it within the ATT&CK framework's T1542.001 technique for Taint Shared Libraries, as it could enable attackers to manipulate firmware components that are shared across system operations. Organizations should also implement hardware security module monitoring and consider the broader implications of firmware-based attacks within their security posture assessments.