CVE-2024-44175 Overview
CVE-2024-44175 is a symbolic link (symlink) validation vulnerability in Apple macOS. An application with local access can leverage improper symlink handling to reach sensitive user data outside its intended scope. Apple addressed the issue in macOS Sequoia 15 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 through improved symlink validation. The weakness is categorized under [CWE-59] (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access) and [CWE-922] (Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information). The flaw requires local access and low privileges, with no user interaction needed, and impacts confidentiality of user data on affected systems.
Critical Impact
A local application can bypass file access boundaries via symlink manipulation and read sensitive user data stored on the system.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14.7.1
- Apple macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15
- Applications running on unpatched macOS installations
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-28 - CVE-2024-44175 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-44175
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-44175 stems from insufficient validation of symbolic links when a macOS component resolves file paths. An attacker-controlled application can create or manipulate symlinks that point to files outside its sandbox or entitlement boundary. When the vulnerable component follows the symlink, it reads or exposes data the calling process should not access.
The issue impacts confidentiality only. There is no direct write or execution primitive from this bug alone. However, exposed data may include credentials, tokens, or user documents that enable follow-on attacks.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper link resolution before file access [CWE-59]. The affected macOS code path resolved paths without confirming that intermediate or terminal components were not symlinks pointing outside the permitted directory tree. This allowed the process to open files at attacker-chosen locations. The related weakness [CWE-922] reflects that sensitive user data was reachable through the flawed path resolution.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local code execution as a low-privileged user. An attacker plants a symlink inside a directory the vulnerable component traverses, then triggers the component to open the target path. The component follows the symlink and returns file contents the attacker's process would otherwise be denied. No user interaction is required. Full technical details were published on the Full Disclosure mailing list.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently listed, and the vulnerability is not tracked in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44175
Indicators of Compromise
- Creation of symbolic links by non-system processes in directories accessed by privileged macOS components
- Unexpected reads of files under ~/Library, ~/Documents, or other sensitive user paths by sandboxed applications
- Processes opening files whose resolved path differs materially from the requested path
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Endpoint Security Framework (ESF) events ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_CREATE and ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_OPEN for symlink creation followed by target reads by another process
- Correlate filesystem telemetry to flag processes that write symlinks into locations later traversed by system daemons
- Baseline expected file-access patterns for signed Apple binaries and alert on deviations that follow user-writable symlinks
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and forward macOS Unified Log entries related to sandboxd and TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) decisions
- Track macOS build versions across the fleet to identify hosts still running versions prior to 14.7.1 or 15
- Alert on repeated open() or readlink() syscalls against paths outside the requesting process's expected working set
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44175
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade all macOS Sonoma endpoints to version 14.7.1 or later
- Upgrade all macOS Sequoia endpoints to version 15 or later
- Inventory managed Macs and prioritize patching systems that store sensitive user data or credentials
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through Gatekeeper and MDM policies until patches are deployed
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 and macOS Sequoia 15. Details are available in Apple Support Document #121238 and Apple Support Document #121570. The patches introduce stricter symlink validation on the affected code path.
Workarounds
- No official vendor workaround exists; applying the vendor patch is the supported remediation
- Limit local account privileges and remove unnecessary third-party applications that could stage symlink attacks
- Enforce TCC prompts and deny full disk access to applications that do not require it
# Verify the installed macOS version meets the patched build
sw_vers -productVersion
# Trigger a software update check via MDM or locally
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.
