CVE-2024-54557 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
A logic issue was addressed with improved restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2. An attacker may gain access to protected parts of the file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54557 represents a logic flaw within Apple's macOS operating system that could potentially allow unauthorized access to protected file system components. This issue stems from insufficient restrictions in the system's access control mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of macOS including Sequoia 15.2, Sonoma 14.7.2, and Ventura 13.7.2, indicating a widespread concern across the Apple ecosystem that required immediate attention. The flaw specifically targets the file system's protection mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive data or system components that should remain restricted to authorized users or processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. This classification indicates that the underlying problem involves inadequate authorization checks or permission enforcement within the operating system's file management subsystem. The logic issue manifests as a weakness in the access control model where the system fails to properly validate or enforce restrictions on file system operations. Attackers could exploit this flaw to navigate beyond normal file system boundaries, potentially accessing protected directories, system files, or user data that should be restricted based on user privileges or security contexts. The vulnerability essentially creates a gap in the security model that allows for privilege escalation or unauthorized data access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations and individual users who rely on macOS for their computing needs. The potential for unauthorized access to protected file system areas could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or the ability to manipulate critical system files. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into system configurations, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent access points within the compromised system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the ability to access protected system components could enable more sophisticated attacks such as rootkit installation, system modification, or privilege escalation to administrative levels. Organizations running macOS environments must consider the potential for lateral movement and persistent threats that could result from exploitation of this vulnerability.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the security updates provided by Apple for the affected macOS versions. System administrators should prioritize updating to macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, or macOS Ventura 13.7.2, as these releases contain the necessary patches to address the logic issue. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor system logs for suspicious file access patterns. The ATT&CK framework classification for this vulnerability would likely fall under T1074 for data staging and potentially T1566 for social engineering if attackers attempt to exploit this through user interaction. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file system access patterns, and privilege levels should be reviewed to ensure the principle of least privilege is maintained across all user accounts and system processes. Regular security audits should be conducted to verify that the updates have been properly applied and that no unauthorized access has occurred.