CVE-2024-23247 Overview
CVE-2024-23247 is a memory handling vulnerability affecting Apple macOS. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling in macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, and macOS Ventura 13.6.5. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, such as opening a crafted file. The National Vulnerability Database associates this issue with [CWE-77] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command).
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected application, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the local system.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Monterey prior to 12.7.4
- Apple macOS Ventura prior to 13.6.5
- Apple macOS Sonoma prior to 14.4
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-08 - CVE-2024-23247 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-23247
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-23247 is a memory handling flaw in a macOS component that parses file input. When the affected component processes a specially crafted file, memory is mismanaged during parsing, allowing corruption of program state. An attacker who convinces a user to open the malicious file can trigger unexpected termination or execute arbitrary code within the process context. Apple's remediation description states the issue was resolved with improved memory handling, indicating the fix strengthens allocation, bounds checking, or object lifetime management along the vulnerable code path.
Root Cause
According to Apple's advisory, the defect stems from improper memory handling during file processing. Public technical details beyond the vendor description are not available. NVD maps the entry to [CWE-77], reflecting concerns about improperly neutralized elements passed to a downstream component during parsing.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted file, for example through email, download, or removable media, and the target must open the file with the affected macOS component. No prior privileges are required. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. No public proof-of-concept, exploit code, or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported, and this CVE is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No verified proof-of-concept code is available. See the Apple Security Update Advisory for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23247
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected application crashes or hangs after opening files sourced from email, messaging apps, or untrusted downloads on macOS endpoints running unpatched Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma builds.
- Creation of macOS crash reports under ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ correlated with file-handling processes.
- Unusual child process execution or shell invocation spawned by document, media, or file-viewer applications.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints and compare installed macOS build numbers against the fixed versions (12.7.4, 13.6.5, 14.4) to identify exposed hosts.
- Monitor process telemetry for anomalous child processes launched by GUI applications immediately after a file-open event.
- Correlate DiagnosticReports crash artifacts with EDR file-open events to surface exploitation attempts against unpatched systems.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on repeated crashes of the same macOS application within a short time window, which can indicate exploit development or fuzzing activity.
- Track outbound network connections initiated by file-viewer processes shortly after opening a document from an untrusted source.
- Ingest macOS Unified Logs and DiagnosticReports into a central data lake for retroactive hunting once additional indicators become public.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23247
Immediate Actions Required
- Update macOS Monterey systems to 12.7.4, macOS Ventura systems to 13.6.5, and macOS Sonoma systems to 14.4 or later without delay.
- Prioritize patching for hosts that handle untrusted files, including developer workstations, executive laptops, and shared-use Macs.
- Instruct users to avoid opening files from unknown or untrusted sources until updates are applied.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Ventura 13.6.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.4. Refer to the vendor advisories for full details: Apple Advisory HT214083, Apple Advisory HT214084, and Apple Advisory HT214085.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; installing the security update is the only supported remediation.
- Restrict inbound file delivery through mail gateway and web proxy scanning to reduce the likelihood of user interaction with malicious files.
- Apply the principle of least privilege so that exploitation within a user application cannot easily escalate to administrative access.
# Verify current macOS build against fixed versions
sw_vers -productVersion
softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
