CVE-2024-54554 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/29/2025
This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.1. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in macOS that stems from inadequate symlink handling within the operating system's file access mechanisms. The issue allows applications to potentially traverse file system boundaries and access sensitive user data through maliciously crafted symbolic links. The vulnerability exists in the way the system processes symbolic links during file operations, creating a path traversal condition that could be exploited by malicious software. The root cause lies in insufficient validation of symbolic link targets, enabling unauthorized access to files outside of an application's designated sandboxed environment. This represents a classic case of improper input validation that violates fundamental security principles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when applications process symbolic links without proper verification of the target paths. Attackers can craft malicious symlink structures that point to sensitive system directories or user files, bypassing normal access controls. This flaw operates at the file system level and affects how the operating system resolves symbolic links during routine file operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by applications that have legitimate access to the system, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring. The issue manifests when the system fails to properly validate the security context of symbolic link targets, potentially allowing privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it could enable attackers to gather sensitive user information, system configuration data, or personal documents. Applications that process user-provided files or data may inadvertently trigger the vulnerability when encountering malicious symlinks in file trees. This could lead to data breaches, privacy violations, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core integrity of macOS file system security mechanisms, undermining the sandboxing principles that protect user data. Organizations relying on macOS for business operations face increased risk of data exposure, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where sensitive corporate data is stored.
The fix implemented in macOS Sequoia 15.1 addresses this vulnerability through enhanced symlink validation and improved file system access controls. The update strengthens the operating system's ability to properly resolve symbolic links while maintaining security boundaries. This remediation aligns with the principle of least privilege and proper input validation as outlined in the CWE 22 category for path traversal vulnerabilities. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper file system access controls and the potential for seemingly benign operations to create security risks. Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched version immediately and consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix represents a defensive measure that strengthens the operating system's security posture against symbolic link-based attacks.