CVE-2024-44305 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as CWE-863, indicating improper authorization. The vulnerability allows a local application with limited privileges (PR:L) to gain root-level access (full administrative control) without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have some level of access to the system, such as a standard user account or the ability to run code locally. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to 14.6 (Sonoma), where vulnerable code permitted unauthorized privilege escalation. Apple mitigated this issue by removing the vulnerable code in macOS Sonoma 14.6. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The vulnerability does not require complex attack conditions (AC:L) and does not involve user interaction, increasing its risk profile. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the potential for exploitation remains significant given the impact and ease of exploitation once local access is obtained.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to escalate privileges to root, effectively gaining full control over the affected macOS system. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disabling security controls, and disruption of system availability. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, development, or sensitive data processing could face severe confidentiality breaches and operational disruptions. The ability to escalate privileges without user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. Although exploitation requires local access, the widespread use of macOS in enterprise, education, and government sectors globally amplifies the potential impact. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in multi-stage attacks where initial access is limited, but privilege escalation is essential for further compromise.

Organizations should immediately update all macOS systems to version 14.6 (Sonoma) or later, where the vulnerable code has been removed. Until patching is complete, restrict local user permissions and limit the execution of untrusted applications to reduce the risk of exploitation. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Regularly audit and monitor system logs for unusual activity indicative of privilege escalation. Implement application whitelisting and use macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Apple’s Endpoint Security framework to harden systems. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted software locally. For environments where patching is delayed, consider isolating macOS systems or limiting local user access to essential personnel only.