CVE-2024-44148: Apple macOS Sandbox Escape Vulnerability

CVE-2024-44148 Overview

CVE-2024-44148 is a sandbox escape vulnerability affecting Apple macOS prior to Sequoia 15. The issue stems from insufficient validation of file attributes, allowing an application to break out of its sandbox boundary. Apple addressed the flaw by introducing improved validation logic in the macOS Sequoia 15 release.

A successful exploit gives an attacker-controlled app the ability to access resources and execute operations outside the constraints normally enforced by the App Sandbox. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability across the affected scope.

Critical Impact

An application running inside the macOS sandbox can escape its container, gaining access to resources outside its permitted boundary on systems running macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.

Affected Products

• Apple macOS versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15
• Applications relying on macOS App Sandbox enforcement
• Systems where untrusted or third-party sandboxed applications execute

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-09-17 - CVE-2024-44148 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
• 2024-09-17 - Apple releases macOS Sequoia 15 containing the fix
• 2025-11-04 - Last updated in the NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-44148

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in macOS code paths that process file attributes without applying sufficient validation. The App Sandbox restricts what files, system calls, and resources an application can access. When file attribute handling is insufficiently validated, a sandboxed process can manipulate attribute data to influence operations performed outside its expected scope.

Apple's advisory categorizes the outcome as an app being able to break out of its sandbox. The fix introduces stricter validation of file attributes to prevent this escape. Because the App Sandbox is a primary defense layer for third-party applications distributed through the Mac App Store and notarized channels, breaking it removes a foundational containment boundary.

The NVD entry assigns [NVD-CWE-noinfo], reflecting that Apple's advisory does not disclose a specific weakness classification. EPSS data places the exploitation probability at 0.126%.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper validation of file attributes within macOS components that the sandbox relies on for access decisions. When attribute data is processed without verifying its integrity or semantic correctness, the sandbox can be tricked into permitting operations it would otherwise block.

Attack Vector

An attacker delivers or installs a malicious application on a target macOS system. The application executes within the sandbox and manipulates file attribute interactions to escape containment. Once outside the sandbox, the malicious code can access user data, system resources, or other applications' data that the sandbox would normally restrict.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. See the Apple Support Document and the Full Disclosure Mailing List for vendor and community references.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44148

Indicators of Compromise

• Sandboxed applications performing file operations on paths outside their container directory (~/Library/Containers/<bundle-id>/)
• Unexpected process activity originating from App Store or notarized applications accessing protected user data locations
• Anomalous extended attribute (xattr) modifications on files referenced by sandboxed apps

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Endpoint Security framework (ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_OPEN, ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_SETATTRLIST) events for sandboxed processes accessing paths outside their assigned container
• Correlate code signing identity and entitlements against actual filesystem activity to flag processes exceeding their declared sandbox scope
• Alert on sandboxed processes that successfully read from ~/Library/Mail, ~/Library/Messages, or other TCC-protected locations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable unified logging subsystems for com.apple.sandbox and review sandbox_violation events
• Track macOS version inventory across the fleet to identify hosts running versions earlier than Sequoia 15
• Aggregate telemetry from EDR agents that capture process lineage, code signing data, and file access events for retrospective hunting

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44148

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade all macOS endpoints to macOS Sequoia 15 or later, where the file attribute validation fix is included
• Identify and inventory devices running pre-Sequoia macOS releases using MDM or asset management tooling
• Restrict installation of untrusted applications and enforce Gatekeeper and notarization policies

Patch Information

Apple addressed the issue with improved validation of file attributes in macOS Sequoia 15. Refer to the Apple Support Document for the full list of components updated in this release. No standalone patch exists for earlier macOS branches; upgrading to Sequoia 15 is the supported remediation path.

Workarounds

• Limit application installation to vetted sources and block sideloaded or unsigned applications through MDM configuration profiles
• Apply Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) policies that minimize access to sensitive directories for non-essential applications
• Use device management to enforce automatic macOS updates and verify build versions post-update

# Verify macOS version is Sequoia 15 or later
sw_vers -productVersion

# Check for available system updates
sudo softwareupdate --list

# Install all recommended updates and restart if required
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart