Path Handling Vulnerability in Apple macOS Products
CVE-2024-54498

8.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor: Apple
Status: Mac OS
Vendor: CVE Published:; 12 December 2024

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📈 Score: 1,060👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2024-54498?

CVE-2024-54498 is a path handling vulnerability affecting Apple’s macOS products, specifically highlighted in the company's updated software versions. This vulnerability allows applications to potentially escape their sandboxed environments, which are designed to contain and limit the access of running applications to system resources. The implications of this vulnerability could be serious, as it may enable malicious applications to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system functionalities, thereby compromising the security integrity of users’ devices and organizational data.

Technical Details

The vulnerability in question involves inadequate validation of path handling within the macOS operating system. Specifically, a flaw allows certain applications to manipulate file paths in a way that could circumvent the restrictions imposed by the application sandbox. Apple has addressed this issue in recent software updates, including macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, where improved validation measures have been implemented to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Potential impact of CVE-2024-54498

Unauthorized Access: Since the vulnerability allows apps to escape their sandbox, there is a potential for unauthorized access to system files and resources, which could lead to data breaches.
Malware Execution: Attackers may exploit this flaw to execute malicious software, which could further compromise the system and allow for additional exploits or persistent access to the network.
Compliance Violations: Organizations relying on Apple’s macOS for sensitive tasks may face compliance risks, as any unauthorized access to data could violate regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, leading to legal and financial repercussions.

Affected Version(s)

macOS < 15.2

macOS < 13.7

macOS < 14.7

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2024-54498-PoC
Created by wh1te4ever