CVE-2024-44146 Overview
CVE-2024-44146 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in Apple macOS caused by a logic flaw in file handling. An app running inside the macOS application sandbox can leverage this flaw to break out of its containment boundary. Apple addressed the issue in macOS Sequoia 15 by improving file handling logic.
The vulnerability scope is changed, meaning a compromised sandboxed process can affect resources outside the sandbox boundary. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host system. Apple published the fix in the macOS Sequoia 15 security advisory.
Critical Impact
A malicious or compromised sandboxed application can escape the macOS sandbox and access resources outside its intended security boundary, undermining a core macOS defense-in-depth control.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15
- Applications relying on the macOS App Sandbox for isolation
- Third-party software distributed through the Mac App Store that depends on sandbox enforcement
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-17 - CVE-2024-44146 published to NVD
- 2024-09-17 - Apple releases macOS Sequoia 15 with fix referenced in support article 121238
- 2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-44146
Vulnerability Analysis
The issue is a file system logic flaw [CWE-noinfo] in macOS that allows a sandboxed application to bypass enforcement boundaries. The macOS App Sandbox restricts which files, directories, and system resources an application can access. Apple's advisory states the issue was resolved with improved file handling, indicating the original logic did not correctly validate or mediate certain file operations.
When the scope changes from the sandboxed application to the broader operating system, the attacker effectively gains the privileges of an unsandboxed process. This breaks the trust model that the App Sandbox provides for App Store applications and developer-hardened binaries. Apple has not published exploitation technique details beyond the brief advisory entry.
No public proof-of-concept code or active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability is listed in the Apple Support Article and the Full Disclosure Post.
Root Cause
The root cause is a logic error in how macOS handled specific file operations originating from sandboxed processes. The flawed code path did not enforce the expected access restrictions, allowing operations that should have been blocked by the sandbox. Apple's remediation rewrote the affected file handling logic to apply correct boundary checks.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker-controlled application running on a vulnerable macOS host. The malicious app executes file operations that trigger the flawed logic path, escaping the sandbox and gaining access to user data, system resources, or additional privileges. Delivery typically occurs through a malicious or trojanized application installed by the user.
No verified public exploit code is available. Refer to the Full Disclosure Post for additional technical discussion.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44146
Indicators of Compromise
- Sandboxed applications spawning child processes or accessing paths outside their container directory under ~/Library/Containers/
- Unexpected file writes to system or user directories by App Store or signed sandboxed binaries
- Anomalous Mach IPC or XPC traffic originating from sandboxed processes targeting privileged services
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Endpoint Security framework events (ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_EXEC, ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_OPEN) for sandboxed applications accessing files outside their container
- Baseline normal file access patterns for installed sandboxed applications and alert on deviations
- Correlate sandboxd log entries with subsequent privileged file operations to identify escape attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable unified logging collection for com.apple.sandbox subsystem messages and forward to centralized analytics
- Track macOS version inventory and flag endpoints running pre-Sequoia 15 builds
- Alert on installation of new applications requesting broad entitlements that contradict their stated function
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44146
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade affected systems to macOS Sequoia 15 or later as documented in Apple's advisory 121238
- Inventory macOS endpoints to identify hosts still running pre-Sequoia builds
- Restrict installation of unverified third-party applications until patching is complete
Patch Information
Apple fixed CVE-2024-44146 in macOS Sequoia 15. Administrators should apply the update through Software Update or managed deployment tools such as MDM. See the Apple Support Article for the full list of addressed issues and version details.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching to macOS Sequoia 15 is the only supported remediation
- Limit user privileges to prevent installation of untrusted applications on unpatched hosts
- Enforce application allowlisting through MDM configuration profiles to block unsigned or unknown binaries
# Verify macOS version on managed endpoints
sw_vers -productVersion
# Trigger software update check
sudo 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.
