CVE-2024-44210: macOS Sequoia Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2024-44210 Overview

CVE-2024-44210 is an improper access control vulnerability in macOS Sequoia that allows applications to bypass permission checks and access user-sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from insufficient permissions checking, enabling malicious applications to read protected user information without proper authorization.

Critical Impact

A malicious application running on the affected system can access user-sensitive data due to improper permissions checking, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of personal information.

Affected Products

• macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.1

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-16 - CVE CVE-2024-44210 published to NVD
• 2026-01-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-44210

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating a fundamental flaw in how macOS Sequoia validates application permissions when accessing user-sensitive data. The issue requires local access to exploit, meaning an attacker would need to run a malicious application on the target system. User interaction is required for successful exploitation, as the victim must execute or interact with the malicious application.

The vulnerability allows read access to confidential user data (confidentiality impact), but does not permit modification of data (no integrity impact) or disruption of system availability (no availability impact). This indicates a focused information disclosure vulnerability rather than a broader system compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient permissions checking within macOS Sequoia's security framework. When applications request access to user-sensitive data, the operating system fails to properly validate whether the requesting application has been granted appropriate permissions. This improper access control allows applications to bypass intended security restrictions and access protected data stores.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the target macOS system. An attacker must deliver and execute a malicious application on the victim's machine. The application can then exploit the improper permissions checking to access user-sensitive data that should be protected by macOS's permission system. Since user interaction is required, social engineering or bundling the malicious code with legitimate-appearing applications would be typical delivery methods.

The vulnerability mechanism involves the application making data access requests that bypass normal permission validation. For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, see the Apple Support Article.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44210

Indicators of Compromise

• Applications accessing protected user data directories without corresponding permission grants in System Preferences
• Unexpected process activity involving sensitive data locations such as contacts, photos, or calendar data
• Log entries showing permission bypass attempts or anomalous data access patterns

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for applications accessing sensitive user data paths without TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) database entries granting permission
• Implement endpoint detection rules to flag unauthorized access to protected directories
• Review application sandbox logs for permission violations or bypass attempts
• Deploy behavioral analysis to detect applications reading user data inconsistent with their stated functionality

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable audit logging for file system access to sensitive user data directories
• Monitor macOS unified logs for privacy-related events and permission requests
• Implement alerting on applications accessing multiple sensitive data categories in rapid succession
• Regularly review installed applications for unexpected permission requests or suspicious behavior

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44210

Immediate Actions Required

• Update macOS Sequoia to version 15.1 or later immediately
• Review currently installed applications and remove any untrusted or unnecessary software
• Audit System Preferences > Privacy & Security to review which applications have been granted access to sensitive data
• Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing

Patch Information

Apple has addressed this vulnerability in macOS Sequoia 15.1 with improved permissions checking. The security update is available through standard macOS Software Update mechanisms or can be downloaded directly from Apple. For complete patch details, refer to the Apple Support Article.

Workarounds

• Restrict installation of applications to only those from the Mac App Store or identified developers
• Enable Gatekeeper to prevent execution of unsigned applications
• Use FileVault encryption to add an additional layer of protection for user data at rest
• Implement strict user account controls and avoid running applications with administrative privileges unnecessarily

# Verify current macOS version
sw_vers -productVersion

# Check for available updates
softwareupdate --list

# Install macOS Sequoia 15.1 update
softwareupdate --install "macOS Sequoia 15.1"