CVE-2024-44132 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application to escape its sandbox environment by exploiting improper handling of symbolic links (symlinks). The sandbox is a security mechanism designed to isolate applications and limit their access to system resources and user data. This vulnerability arises due to a flaw in how macOS processes symlinks, enabling a malicious app with limited privileges to break out of its sandbox constraints. The issue is classified under CWE-61, which relates to improper handling of symbolic links leading to security breaches. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.4, indicating high severity, with the vector string AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. This means the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges but not full admin (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), scope change (S:C), and results in high confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact. The flaw was addressed in macOS Sequoia 15 by improving symlink handling to prevent sandbox escape. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk because sandbox escapes can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system components and data. The vulnerability affects unspecified macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15, so all users running earlier versions are potentially vulnerable. The attack vector requires local code execution, meaning an attacker must have the ability to run an app on the target system, which could be achieved via social engineering, malicious downloads, or insider threats. Once exploited, the attacker can bypass sandbox restrictions, potentially accessing or modifying files and processes outside the app’s intended scope, leading to data breaches or system compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where macOS is widely used, such as creative industries, software development, education, and certain government sectors. The ability to escape the sandbox can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, intellectual property theft, and potential lateral movement within networks if combined with other vulnerabilities. Confidentiality and integrity of data are highly impacted, as attackers can access protected files or alter system configurations. Although availability is not directly affected, the breach of trust boundaries can lead to further attacks that may disrupt services. Organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR must consider the legal and reputational consequences of such breaches. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and ease of exploitation under limited privileges mean attackers could develop exploits rapidly. The requirement for local access means insider threats or compromised endpoints are the most likely vectors. The vulnerability also poses risks to managed service providers and enterprises using macOS in hybrid environments, as compromised endpoints can serve as footholds for broader attacks.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade all macOS systems to Sequoia 15 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Organizations should enforce strict patch management policies to ensure timely updates. Restricting the ability to install or run untrusted applications locally reduces the risk of initial exploitation; this can be achieved through application whitelisting, endpoint protection solutions, and user privilege management. Employing macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and ensuring sandboxing policies are enforced can help limit impact. Monitoring for unusual local application behavior and symlink manipulations can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of running untrusted software and implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised macOS devices. Regular audits of installed applications and their permissions can help identify potential attack vectors. Finally, integrating macOS endpoint telemetry into centralized security information and event management (SIEM) systems can improve incident response capabilities.