CVE-2024-44151 is a permissions-related vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application with limited privileges to modify protected parts of the file system. The root cause is a permissions issue classified under CWE-276, where the system's access control mechanisms fail to adequately restrict write operations to sensitive file system locations. This flaw could enable an attacker or malicious app to alter system files or configurations that should be immutable or protected, potentially leading to system integrity compromise. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, and Sequoia 15, where Apple has implemented additional restrictions to address the issue. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The impact is limited to integrity (I:H), with no confidentiality or availability impact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers who have already gained limited access to a system to escalate their control by modifying protected system files, potentially enabling persistence, privilege escalation, or tampering with security controls.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of macOS systems. Organizations relying on Apple hardware in sectors such as finance, government, creative industries, and technology may face increased risk if attackers exploit this flaw to modify system files, potentially leading to persistent malware infections or unauthorized system modifications. The vulnerability does not directly impact confidentiality or availability but could facilitate further attacks that compromise sensitive data or disrupt operations. Since exploitation requires some level of privileges, the threat is more significant in environments where users have elevated rights or where malicious insiders or compromised accounts exist. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating and potential for system integrity compromise warrant prompt patching. European organizations with macOS deployments should prioritize updating to the fixed versions to prevent exploitation.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to versions Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, or Sequoia 15 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement strict privilege management policies to limit user and application privileges, reducing the likelihood that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting unauthorized modifications to protected file system areas. 4. Monitor system integrity using tools that can detect changes to critical system files and configurations. 5. Restrict installation of untrusted or unsigned applications to minimize the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on macOS endpoints to ensure compliance with security policies and timely patch deployment. 7. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted software and the importance of applying system updates promptly.