CVE-2024-23274 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to elevate its privileges by exploiting an injection flaw caused by inadequate input validation. This vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions, including Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, and Ventura 13.6.5, and was addressed by Apple through improved input validation mechanisms. The flaw is classified under CWE-75 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Path Element), indicating that malicious input can manipulate system behavior to gain unauthorized access. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector requiring local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact is critical across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, meaning an attacker could fully compromise the affected system. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild yet, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a significant threat, especially in environments where macOS is widely used. The vulnerability’s resolution involves applying Apple’s security patches that enhance input validation to prevent injection attacks. Organizations should also consider additional controls such as application whitelisting, runtime behavior monitoring, and restricting software installation to trusted sources to mitigate exploitation risks.

The potential impact of CVE-2024-23274 on European organizations is substantial due to the widespread use of macOS in professional and enterprise environments, particularly in sectors like finance, technology, and government. Successful exploitation allows a malicious app to escalate privileges without user interaction or prior authentication, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and the installation of persistent malware or backdoors. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are all at high risk. For organizations handling personal data under GDPR, such a breach could lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value targets, including research institutions and critical infrastructure operators in Europe. The lack of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the ease of exploitation and high impact necessitate urgent remediation.

1. Immediately apply the official Apple security updates for macOS Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, and Ventura 13.6.5 or later versions that address CVE-2024-23274. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized or untrusted applications from executing, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting the vulnerability. 3. Employ runtime behavior monitoring and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions tailored for macOS to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 4. Restrict software installation sources to the Apple App Store and verified developers only, minimizing exposure to potentially malicious applications. 5. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and system logs to identify suspicious activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted software and enforce least privilege principles to limit the impact of compromised accounts. 7. For organizations with macOS fleets, integrate patch management solutions that ensure timely deployment of security updates across all devices. 8. Consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the lateral movement potential of an attacker who gains elevated privileges on a macOS system.