CVE-2024-54489 Overview
CVE-2024-54489 is a path handling vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code by running a mount command. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of file system paths, mapped to [CWE-22] Path Traversal. Apple addressed the issue with improved path validation in macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, and macOS Ventura 13.7.2. The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges but no user interaction, and it can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Critical Impact
A local attacker executing mount with crafted arguments can achieve arbitrary code execution on unpatched macOS systems.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Ventura (versions prior to 13.7.2)
- Apple macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.7.2)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (versions prior to 15.2)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-12 - CVE-2024-54489 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-54489
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-54489 is a local code execution issue triggered through the macOS mount command. According to Apple's advisories, the underlying defect is a path handling weakness that allows the command to interpret attacker-controlled input in a way that leads to arbitrary code execution. The classification aligns with [CWE-22], Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
The issue affects the mounting subsystem shared by macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia. Because the attack vector is local and requires low privileges, an attacker must first hold an unprivileged account or code execution foothold on the target device. Successful exploitation yields high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, consistent with code execution in a privileged context.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient validation of paths supplied to the mount command. When the command processes a crafted path, control flow can be diverted to execute arbitrary code rather than only performing the expected mount operation. Apple documented the fix as "a path handling issue was addressed with improved validation."
Attack Vector
An authenticated local user invokes mount with a malicious argument, such as a specially formatted device or mount point path. The vulnerable code fails to sanitize the input, allowing the attacker to influence execution and run code on the host. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own command invocation.
No public proof-of-concept has been catalogued, and the CVE is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Technical details are referenced in the Full Disclosure mailing list posts from December 7–9, 2024 and in Apple's advisories.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54489
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected invocations of /sbin/mount or related mount_* helpers by non-administrative users or unusual parent processes.
- New or unauthorized mount points appearing under /Volumes or other filesystem locations outside of standard user workflows.
- Post-mount execution of unfamiliar binaries or scripts spawned shortly after a mount call.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Endpoint Security framework telemetry for ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_MOUNT events and correlate with the invoking process and command-line arguments.
- Alert on mount executions containing traversal sequences (../), unusual quoting, or paths pointing to user-writable directories.
- Baseline legitimate mount activity per host and flag deviations, particularly executions initiated by interactive shells or scripting interpreters.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest macOS Unified Logs and process execution events into a centralized analytics platform to hunt for suspicious mount command patterns.
- Track child process trees originating from mount and mount helper binaries to detect follow-on code execution.
- Correlate mount events with subsequent file writes to system directories or launch of unsigned binaries.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54489
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected endpoints to macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, or macOS Ventura 13.7.2 as documented in Apple's advisories.
- Inventory macOS assets and prioritize patching for multi-user systems and shared workstations where local accounts are more common.
- Restrict local account creation and audit existing standard-user accounts for unnecessary shell or SSH access.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, and macOS Ventura 13.7.2. Refer to Apple Support Document #121839, Apple Support Document #121840, and Apple Support Document #121842 for version-specific details and update instructions.
Workarounds
- No official workaround has been published by Apple; applying the security update is the supported remediation.
- Limit local logon and interactive access on macOS endpoints to reduce the pool of users who can invoke mount.
- Enforce endpoint management policies that block unsigned binaries and unauthorized filesystem mounts until patches are deployed.
# Verify the 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.
