CVE-2024-44224 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS stemming from a permissions misconfiguration that allows a malicious application to escalate privileges to root. The issue arises because the system fails to enforce sufficient restrictions on certain operations or resources, enabling an attacker who can run a local app to gain full administrative control. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, but no prior privileges, making it a significant risk for users who might be tricked into running a malicious app. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8 (High), with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-276 (Incorrect Default Permissions). Although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the potential for privilege escalation makes this a critical issue for macOS users. Apple addressed the vulnerability by adding additional restrictions to permissions handling in the specified macOS versions. Organizations relying on macOS devices should prioritize updating to these patched versions to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation to root, which can lead to full system compromise. Confidentiality of sensitive data can be breached, integrity of system files and configurations can be altered, and availability can be disrupted by malicious actions executed with root privileges. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology that use macOS devices for critical operations are particularly vulnerable. Attackers could leverage this flaw to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or move laterally within networks. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may inadvertently run malicious applications (e.g., via phishing or social engineering). The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation. Failure to patch could result in severe operational and reputational damage.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to the fixed versions: macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, or Sonoma 14.7.2. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, restricting users to install apps only from trusted sources such as the Mac App Store or verified developers. 3. Implement endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local privilege escalation attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of verifying app sources. 5. Monitor system logs and behavior for signs of privilege escalation or unauthorized root-level activity. 6. Use macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Full Disk Encryption to limit the impact of potential exploits. 7. Regularly audit permissions and configurations to ensure no inadvertent weakening of security controls. 8. Integrate macOS patch management into organizational vulnerability management programs to ensure timely updates.