CVE-2024-44264 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows a malicious application to create symbolic links (symlinks) pointing to protected regions of the disk. The root cause is insufficient validation of symlink targets during their creation, classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access). This flaw enables an attacker to potentially redirect file operations to sensitive or protected filesystem areas, bypassing macOS's built-in security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patches released in Ventura 13.7.1 and Sonoma 14.7.1. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 (high) reflects the vulnerability's network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as attackers could access or leak protected data by exploiting symlink redirection. Integrity and availability are not directly impacted. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2024 and published in late October 2024. The fix involves improved validation logic for symlink creation to prevent linking to protected disk regions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by any malicious app without requiring elevated privileges or user interaction, increasing the risk of stealthy data breaches or unauthorized access to protected files.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to data confidentiality, especially for entities relying on macOS systems for sensitive operations such as government agencies, financial institutions, and research organizations. Attackers exploiting this flaw could access protected files or data stores by redirecting file operations through malicious symlinks, potentially leading to data leakage or exposure of confidential information. Since no privileges or user interaction are required, the attack surface is broad, including supply chain risks where malicious apps could be introduced via third-party software. The lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the threat to data exposure rather than system disruption. However, the stealthy nature of symlink exploitation could allow persistent unauthorized access. Organizations with macOS endpoints not updated to the latest patched versions remain vulnerable. The threat is amplified in environments where macOS is used alongside other platforms, as attackers might leverage this vulnerability to pivot or escalate attacks. Additionally, the absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive patching and mitigation before active exploitation begins.

European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all macOS devices to Ventura 13.7.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies, limiting installation to trusted and verified applications only, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual symlink creation or file system access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Regularly audit and monitor filesystem permissions and symlink usage to detect anomalies. Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of critical macOS systems and restrict access to sensitive data repositories. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and enforce the use of Apple’s notarization and Gatekeeper features to prevent unverified apps from running. For organizations using mobile device management (MDM), deploy configuration profiles that restrict app installation sources and enforce timely OS updates. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential breaches.