CVE-2024-44286: macOS Sequoia Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-44286 Overview

CVE-2024-44286 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in macOS Sequoia that allows an attacker with physical access to a device to inject keyboard events into applications running on a locked device. This vulnerability stems from improper state management in the macOS input handling subsystem, enabling unauthorized interaction with apps despite the device being in a locked state.

Critical Impact

An attacker with physical access can bypass the lock screen and inject keyboard input to applications, potentially accessing sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions.

Affected Products

• macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.1

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-02 - CVE CVE-2024-44286 published to NVD
• 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-44286

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel). The flaw resides in how macOS handles state transitions between locked and unlocked states, specifically within the keyboard input processing subsystem. When a device is locked, macOS should restrict all keyboard input from reaching running applications. However, due to improper state management, certain input pathways remain accessible, allowing an attacker with physical access to inject keystrokes into applications.

The vulnerability enables physical attackers to interact with applications that remain running in the background on a locked Mac. This could potentially allow data exfiltration, configuration changes, or other unauthorized actions depending on which applications are active.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper state management within macOS's input handling mechanism. When transitioning to a locked state, the operating system fails to properly close or restrict all input channels to running applications. This creates an alternate path through which keyboard events can be injected, bypassing the authentication mechanism that the lock screen is intended to enforce.

Attack Vector

The attack requires physical access to the target macOS device. Once an attacker has physical access to a locked Mac running a vulnerable version of macOS Sequoia, they can leverage this flaw to send keyboard events to applications running in the background. This could allow them to interact with messaging applications, execute commands in terminal windows, or manipulate any application accepting keyboard input without unlocking the device.

The attacker would need to identify which applications are running and craft appropriate keyboard sequences to achieve their objectives. The attack does not require any prior authentication or knowledge of user credentials.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44286

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected application behavior or state changes after the device has been left unattended
• Evidence of commands executed in terminal sessions while the device was locked
• Unusual network activity or data transfers correlating with periods when the device was locked but physically accessible
• Application logs showing interaction timestamps during periods when the device should have been idle and locked

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system logs for input events processed during locked device states
• Implement physical security controls to detect unauthorized access to devices
• Review application logs for suspicious activity patterns that occurred during locked periods
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of correlating physical access events with system activity

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for input subsystem events on macOS endpoints
• Implement physical security monitoring in areas where macOS devices are located
• Configure SentinelOne agents to detect anomalous application interactions during locked device states
• Establish baseline patterns for locked device behavior to identify deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44286

Immediate Actions Required

• Update to macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later immediately
• Implement strict physical security controls for all macOS devices
• Close or minimize sensitive applications before leaving devices unattended
• Consider enabling FileVault encryption to protect data at rest

Patch Information

Apple has addressed this vulnerability in macOS Sequoia 15.1 through improved state management. The fix ensures that keyboard input channels are properly restricted when the device transitions to a locked state. Detailed information is available in the Apple Support Document.

To update macOS:

1. Open System Settings
2. Navigate to General > Software Update
3. Install macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later

Workarounds

• Fully log out of user sessions rather than just locking the device when leaving it unattended
• Quit all sensitive applications before stepping away from the device
• Store devices in physically secure locations when not in use
• Consider using hardware security keys that require physical interaction for authentication

# Configuration example
# Check current macOS version
sw_vers -productVersion

# Enable automatic security updates
sudo softwareupdate --schedule on

# Check for and install available updates
sudo softwareupdate -ia --verbose