CVE-2024-44247 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS that permits a malicious application to modify protected parts of the file system, which are normally safeguarded to prevent unauthorized changes. This issue arises due to insufficient authorization checks (CWE-863) that were improved in macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and Sonoma 14.7.1. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction (e.g., running a malicious app) but does not require prior privileges, making it a risk even for standard users. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the low attack vector (local), low complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The vulnerability impacts system integrity by allowing unauthorized modification of system files, which could lead to persistence of malware, bypassing security controls, or destabilizing the system. Confidentiality and availability are not directly affected. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability affects unspecified macOS versions prior to the patched releases, so organizations running older versions are at risk. The fix involves enhanced authorization checks to prevent unauthorized file system modifications by untrusted applications.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of macOS systems. Attackers who gain local access and trick users into running malicious applications could modify critical system files, potentially enabling persistence mechanisms or disabling security features. This could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or data tampering. Sectors with high macOS usage—such as creative agencies, software development companies, and educational institutions—may be particularly impacted. While confidentiality and availability are not directly compromised, the integrity breach can undermine trust in system reliability and complicate incident response. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity and ease of exploitation through user interaction warrant prompt patching. Organizations relying on macOS for critical workflows should consider this vulnerability a moderate threat to operational security.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to Ventura 13.7.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies using Apple’s Gatekeeper and notarization requirements to prevent execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. 3. Educate users about the risks of running unknown or suspicious applications, emphasizing the need for caution with software from unverified sources. 4. Implement endpoint protection solutions that monitor for unauthorized file system modifications and suspicious application behavior. 5. Use macOS system integrity protection (SIP) and ensure it is enabled and functioning correctly to limit the ability of applications to modify protected system files. 6. Regularly audit system files and configurations to detect unauthorized changes. 7. Limit local user permissions where possible to reduce the impact of malicious applications. 8. Maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to restore system integrity if compromise occurs.