CVE-2024-27842: Apple macOS Sonoma RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-27842 Overview

CVE-2024-27842 is a kernel-level vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple addressed the issue with improved checks in macOS Sonoma 14.5. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-358] (Improperly Implemented Security Check for Standard) and requires local access combined with user interaction to exploit. Successful exploitation grants attackers the highest level of code execution on the affected system, enabling full compromise of the macOS host.

Critical Impact

An attacker who convinces a user to run a crafted application can gain kernel-level code execution, leading to complete control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the macOS system.

Affected Products

• Apple macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14.5
• Apple macOS Sonoma (pre-14.5 releases)
• Apple endpoints running vulnerable macOS kernels

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-05-13 - Apple releases security patch in macOS Sonoma 14.5
• 2024-05-14 - CVE-2024-27842 published to NVD
• 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-27842

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the macOS kernel and stems from an improperly implemented security check [CWE-358]. A local application that bypasses or abuses this check can transition from user-mode execution to kernel-mode execution. Apple's advisory states the issue was addressed with improved checks, indicating the original validation logic failed to enforce a required security boundary before performing a privileged operation.

Exploitation results in full system compromise. Once code runs in the kernel, an attacker can disable security controls, install persistent rootkits, exfiltrate memory contents, and access protected resources including the System Integrity Protection (SIP) perimeter. Local access and user interaction are required, which aligns with the common delivery vector of a malicious application installed or executed by the victim.

Root Cause

Apple's advisory attributes the flaw to insufficient validation in a kernel security check. The fix introduces stricter verification before the affected privileged code path executes. Apple has not publicly disclosed the specific subsystem or function involved in CVE-2024-27842.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local execution combined with user interaction. A typical exploitation chain involves an attacker delivering a malicious application through social engineering, a trojanized installer, or a supply-chain compromise. When the user launches the application, it triggers the vulnerable kernel code path and escalates privileges from the user context to ring-0. See the Apple Security Document and the Full Disclosure Mailing List for additional reference material.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27842

Indicators of Compromise

• Unsigned or ad-hoc signed applications launched from user-writable locations such as ~/Downloads, /tmp, or /private/tmp immediately preceding kernel anomalies
• Unexpected kernel extensions, system extensions, or kernel module loads following execution of an untrusted binary
• Crash reports in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ referencing kernel panics tied to userland processes
• Modifications to SIP-protected paths or disabling of SIP after running a third-party application

Detection Strategies

• Monitor macOS endpoints for processes that spawn from untrusted locations and subsequently trigger kernel-level events or privilege transitions
• Alert on attempts to load unsigned kernel/system extensions or to modify boot policy on Apple Silicon devices
• Correlate user-initiated application launches with abnormal kernel_task behavior, code signing failures, or unexpected entitlements use

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable Endpoint Security framework (ESF) telemetry capture for process execution, code signing verification, and kernel extension events
• Centralize macOS Unified Logs and kernel panic reports into a SIEM for retrospective hunting
• Track macOS OS version inventory and flag any host running a build older than Sonoma 14.5

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27842

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade all affected macOS endpoints to macOS Sonoma 14.5 or later without delay
• Restrict installation of unsigned or unverified applications via Gatekeeper and MDM policy
• Enforce least-privilege accounts and disable administrative rights for standard users where feasible
• Educate users to avoid running untrusted applications, installers, or binaries received via email or web downloads

Patch Information

Apple released the fix in macOS Sonoma 14.5. Apply the update through System Settings → General → Software Update, or deploy via MDM. Full patch details are available in the Apple Support Article and the Apple Knowledge Base Article.

Workarounds

• No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching to macOS Sonoma 14.5 is the only complete remediation
• Limit exposure by enforcing Gatekeeper with the App Store and identified developers setting and keeping SIP enabled
• Use MDM configuration profiles to block execution of applications outside approved deployment channels

# Verify the installed macOS version and confirm patch level
sw_vers -productVersion

# Trigger a software update check from the command line
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart

# Confirm System Integrity Protection is enabled
csrutil status