CVE-2024-54536 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
The issue was addressed with improved validation of environment variables. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.2. An app may be able to edit NVRAM variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54536 represents a significant security weakness in Apple's macOS operating system that allows unauthorized applications to modify Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory variables. This flaw exists within the system's environment variable validation mechanisms, creating a potential pathway for malicious software to manipulate critical system configuration data stored in NVRAM. The issue specifically affects macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.2, where insufficient input validation permits applications to bypass normal security restrictions governing NVRAM access and modification. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of system-level configuration parameters that persist across reboots and are crucial for maintaining proper system operation and security posture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of environment variables within the macOS kernel or system framework that manages NVRAM access. Environment variables in operating systems typically serve as configuration parameters that influence program behavior and system operations, but when improperly validated, they can become attack vectors for privilege escalation or system manipulation. The flaw allows an application to edit NVRAM variables without proper authorization, which can lead to modification of boot parameters, system configuration settings, or other critical low-level system data. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and undermines the security model that protects system integrity by restricting access to sensitive system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to system security and stability. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to modify boot configurations, disable security features, or inject malicious parameters that could compromise system integrity during the boot process. The ability to manipulate NVRAM variables provides attackers with persistent access mechanisms that could survive system reboots and remain undetected by standard security monitoring tools. This capability significantly increases the attack surface for sophisticated adversaries who might seek to establish persistent backdoors or undermine system security controls. The vulnerability also impacts system reliability as unauthorized modifications to NVRAM could lead to system instability or boot failures.
The fix implemented in macOS Sequoia 15.2 addresses this issue through enhanced validation of environment variables, specifically strengthening the checks that govern access to NVRAM variables. This improvement aligns with security best practices outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, particularly addressing weaknesses related to improper input validation and insufficient access controls. The mitigation strategy follows established security principles that emphasize the importance of validating all inputs and enforcing strict access controls for sensitive system resources. Organizations should prioritize updating to macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later versions to remediate this vulnerability and protect against potential exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date system software and implementing proper security controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical system configuration data. This vulnerability also highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and regular patch management to address emerging threats in operating system environments.