CVE-2024-44168 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS involving a library injection issue that permits an application to modify protected parts of the file system. The flaw stems from insufficient restrictions on how libraries can be injected or loaded by applications, allowing a local app with limited privileges (PR:L) to escalate its ability to alter system files that are normally protected. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, and Sequoia 15. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), no confidentiality impact (C:N), high integrity impact (I:H), and no availability impact (A:N). This means an attacker must have some level of access to the system but can then modify critical system files, potentially leading to persistence, privilege escalation, or system instability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-114 (Process Control), which relates to improper control of dynamic library loading. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains significant due to the potential for local privilege escalation and system compromise. The patch is available in the latest macOS updates, which impose additional restrictions on library injection to close this attack vector.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of macOS systems. An attacker with local access—such as an insider threat, compromised user account, or malware that gains limited privileges—could modify protected system files, potentially leading to unauthorized persistence mechanisms, privilege escalation, or disruption of system operations. While confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, the integrity compromise can facilitate further attacks or evade detection. Organizations relying on macOS for critical business functions, development environments, or sensitive data processing could face increased risk of targeted attacks or lateral movement within networks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but delayed patching could expose systems to future attacks once exploit code becomes available. European entities with remote workforces using macOS devices should be particularly vigilant, as local access could be obtained through compromised endpoints.

1. Immediately apply the security updates provided by Apple for macOS Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, and Sequoia 15 to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict the ability to install or run untrusted applications locally by enforcing strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection policies. 3. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary, avoiding granting administrative or elevated rights to standard users. 4. Monitor system logs and file integrity to detect unauthorized modifications to protected file system areas, using tools capable of detecting suspicious library injection or file changes. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that can identify anomalous behaviors related to library injection or privilege escalation attempts. 7. For organizations with macOS fleets, implement centralized patch management to ensure timely deployment of security updates.