CVE-2024-23300 Overview
CVE-2024-23300 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple GarageBand that Apple addressed with improved memory management. The flaw exists in versions prior to GarageBand 10.4.11. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution in the context of the user. The issue is tracked under CWE-416: Use After Free and requires local file processing with user interaction. Apple released a fix in GarageBand 10.4.11, documented in the Apple Support Article.
Critical Impact
A crafted media project or audio file opened in GarageBand can trigger memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution under the current user's privileges.
Affected Products
- Apple GarageBand versions prior to 10.4.11
- macOS installations with GarageBand installed
- Systems where users open untrusted GarageBand or audio project files
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-12 - CVE-2024-23300 published to NVD
- 2024-03-12 - Apple releases GarageBand 10.4.11 with the security fix
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-23300
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a use-after-free condition in Apple GarageBand's file parsing logic. Use-after-free flaws occur when an application continues to reference memory after that memory has been released back to the allocator. Attackers who can influence heap layout and reallocation can control the freed region and force the application to operate on attacker-supplied data as if it were the original object.
In GarageBand, processing a maliciously crafted file triggers the dangling reference. Consequences range from unexpected process termination to arbitrary code execution within the GarageBand process. Since GarageBand runs as the logged-in user on macOS, successful exploitation grants the attacker code execution at that user's privilege level. Apple resolved the issue with improved memory management in version 10.4.11.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper lifecycle management of an object during file processing. Code paths retained a pointer to a heap object after it was freed, and later dereferenced that pointer. Apple's advisory attributes the fix to "improved memory management," consistent with adjustments such as clearing dangling pointers, reordering deallocation, or restructuring object ownership.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access and user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted project or audio file, for example through email, messaging, a website, or removable media, and induces the target to open it in GarageBand. Because the attack vector is local and requires interaction, remote unauthenticated exploitation is not viable, but user-driven delivery is realistic in phishing and social engineering scenarios.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit tooling has been published, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. See the Full Disclosure Mailing List Post and Apple Support Document for additional context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23300
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or termination of the GarageBand process shortly after opening a downloaded or emailed file
- Creation of unusual child processes or shell activity spawned from GarageBand.app
- Presence of untrusted .band, .garageband, or related audio project files sourced from email attachments, messaging platforms, or web downloads
- Anomalous outbound network connections initiated by the GarageBand process
Detection Strategies
- Monitor macOS Unified Log and crash reports for repeated GarageBand faults referencing memory access violations
- Alert on process ancestry where GarageBand.app spawns interpreters such as bash, zsh, osascript, or python
- Use EDR telemetry to flag file-open events on GarageBand followed by unusual filesystem or network activity within a short time window
Monitoring Recommendations
- Inventory macOS endpoints and identify hosts running GarageBand versions below 10.4.11
- Track email and web gateway telemetry for delivery of GarageBand project file types from untrusted senders
- Correlate application crash events with subsequent behavioral anomalies to surface post-exploitation activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23300
Immediate Actions Required
- Update GarageBand to version 10.4.11 or later on all macOS endpoints through the Mac App Store
- Instruct users to avoid opening GarageBand project or audio files received from untrusted sources
- Validate patch deployment across managed fleets using MDM reporting or software inventory tools
Patch Information
Apple fixed CVE-2024-23300 in GarageBand 10.4.11 with improved memory management. Refer to the Apple Knowledge Base Article for release details. Deploy the update through the Mac App Store or an enterprise MDM solution such as Jamf or Intune. Confirm the installed version by checking GarageBand's About window or querying application metadata via management tooling.
Workarounds
- Remove GarageBand from systems that do not require it until the patched version is installed
- Restrict opening of GarageBand project files from untrusted origins using endpoint file execution policies
- Apply Gatekeeper and quarantine policies to enforce user prompts for files downloaded from the internet
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
