CVE-2024-44213 Overview
CVE-2024-44213 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Apple macOS caused by improper URL parsing. An attacker in a privileged network position can leak sensitive user information by exploiting insufficient input validation during URL handling. Apple addressed the issue with improved input validation in macOS Sequoia 15.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, and macOS Ventura 13.7.1. The weakness is tracked under CWE-922: Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information.
Critical Impact
A network-adjacent attacker can intercept or manipulate malformed URLs to extract confidential user data from affected macOS systems.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Ventura (prior to 13.7.1)
- Apple macOS Sonoma (prior to 14.7.1)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.1)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-28 - CVE-2024-44213 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-44213
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the URL parsing logic within macOS. The parser fails to properly validate input, allowing crafted URLs to be interpreted in unintended ways. When processed by system components that handle network requests, these malformed URLs cause sensitive information to be exposed to unauthorized parties. Successful exploitation requires the attacker to occupy a privileged network position, such as a compromised router, rogue Wi-Fi access point, or upstream proxy. The confidentiality impact is high, though the flaw does not allow modification of data or disruption of service.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incomplete input validation in the URL parser, categorized as [CWE-922]. When URL components are decomposed for routing or resource resolution, the parser accepts malformed inputs without normalization or sanity checks. This allows portions of the URL, or metadata associated with the request, to leak in ways the application layer does not anticipate.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network adjacency and moderate attack complexity. An adversary positioned between the target macOS device and its intended destination can inject or rewrite URLs delivered through unencrypted channels, captive portals, or proxied traffic. When the vulnerable parser processes these URLs, sensitive user information is disclosed to the attacker. No authentication or user interaction is required. Refer to the Apple Support advisory for further technical context.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. See the Full Disclosure archive for related community discussion around the October 2024 Apple advisories.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44213
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected outbound requests containing malformed or obfuscated URL structures originating from macOS endpoints.
- Presence of rogue DHCP, DNS, or proxy servers on network segments hosting macOS devices.
- Anomalous TLS downgrade attempts or captive portal redirects preceding sensitive data transmission.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect network traffic for URL patterns that deviate from RFC 3986 syntax when originating from macOS clients.
- Correlate endpoint telemetry with network position changes, such as new Wi-Fi associations followed by immediate outbound URL requests.
- Baseline macOS system version inventory to identify hosts still running unpatched versions of Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable network flow logging on segments where macOS endpoints connect to untrusted networks.
- Monitor for man-in-the-middle indicators including certificate anomalies and ARP spoofing on internal networks.
- Track macOS software update compliance across the fleet and alert on hosts running versions predating the fixed builds.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44213
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected systems to macOS Sequoia 15.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, or macOS Ventura 13.7.1 as documented in the Apple Sequoia advisory, Sonoma advisory, and Ventura advisory.
- Inventory macOS hosts and prioritize patching for devices that frequently connect to untrusted or public networks.
- Enforce VPN usage for remote and mobile macOS endpoints to reduce exposure to privileged network attackers.
Patch Information
Apple resolved CVE-2024-44213 through improved input validation in the URL parser. Fixed versions are macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Administrators should confirm installation via softwareupdate --list and deploy updates through their MDM solution.
Workarounds
- Require encrypted transport (HTTPS, DoH/DoT) for all traffic to reduce the ability of network-adjacent attackers to manipulate URLs.
- Restrict macOS endpoint access to trusted networks and disable auto-join for open Wi-Fi networks.
- Deploy enterprise VPN with certificate pinning to protect URL traffic when patching cannot be completed immediately.
# Verify installed macOS version and apply pending updates
sw_vers -productVersion
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
