CVE-2024-44247 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that permits a malicious application to modify protected parts of the file system. The root cause is an authorization bypass (CWE-863), where the system fails to enforce adequate checks before allowing modifications to critical system files. This vulnerability does not require elevated privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as the user running or installing a malicious app. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have local access to the system. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, and Ventura 13.7.1, where Apple has implemented improved authorization checks to prevent unauthorized file system modifications. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the moderate risk posed by the vulnerability. Exploiting this flaw can compromise system integrity by allowing unauthorized changes to protected files, potentially leading to persistent malware installation or system instability. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access control and user awareness in macOS environments.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-44247 is on system integrity, as a malicious application can alter protected file system areas without proper authorization. This can lead to persistent malware infections, unauthorized system modifications, and potential bypass of security controls. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity compromise can facilitate further attacks, including privilege escalation or denial of service if critical system files are corrupted. Organizations relying on macOS for sensitive operations, software development, or secure communications may face increased risk of targeted attacks or supply chain compromises. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits the scope but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with lax user controls or where social engineering is feasible. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to organizations globally, particularly those with significant macOS deployments.

1. Apply the official patches released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, and Ventura 13.7.1 immediately to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting and code signing enforcement to prevent execution of unauthorized or malicious applications. 3. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted software and the importance of verifying application sources to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring unauthorized file system changes and alerting on suspicious activity. 5. Restrict local access to macOS systems, especially in sensitive environments, through physical security and network segmentation. 6. Regularly audit system integrity using tools like Apple’s System Integrity Protection (SIP) and third-party integrity checkers to detect unauthorized modifications. 7. Monitor security advisories from Apple and subscribe to vulnerability feeds to stay informed about emerging threats and patches.