CVE-2024-54489 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS related to improper path validation when executing the mount command. The root cause is a path traversal or improper path handling issue (CWE-22), which allows an attacker to craft input that causes the mount command to execute arbitrary code unexpectedly. This vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2, where Apple has implemented improved validation to mitigate the issue. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access to the system but no privileges (PR:N). User interaction is required (UI:R), meaning the user must run or trigger the mount command with malicious input. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent (C:L/I:L/A:L). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable system without affecting other systems. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the potential for arbitrary code execution makes this a significant concern for environments where mount commands are used, especially in administrative or development contexts. The vulnerability is rated medium severity with a CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3, reflecting moderate risk due to the required local access and user interaction. The issue highlights the importance of input validation in system utilities and the risks posed by path traversal vulnerabilities in privileged commands.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in environments where macOS is used extensively, such as creative industries, software development firms, and IT operations teams. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker with local access to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or disruption of services. This could compromise sensitive information, disrupt business operations, or serve as a foothold for further attacks. Organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure or development should be particularly cautious. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation risks but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from compromised user accounts. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value macOS users or systems within European enterprises, especially those with lax local user controls or shared workstations.

1. Immediately apply the latest macOS updates: upgrade to macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, Sonoma 14.7.2, or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict mount command usage to trusted administrators only, using macOS’s built-in access controls and sudo policies to limit who can execute mount operations. 3. Implement monitoring and alerting for unusual mount command executions or suspicious path inputs, leveraging endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for macOS. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risks of running untrusted commands or scripts that invoke mount, emphasizing the need for caution with local command execution. 5. Employ application whitelisting or system integrity protection features to prevent unauthorized code execution triggered by mount or related utilities. 6. Regularly audit local user accounts and permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized local access that could exploit this vulnerability. 7. Consider network segmentation and endpoint hardening to limit the impact of compromised macOS systems within the organizational environment.