CVE-2024-54531: Apple macOS KASLR Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-54531 Overview

CVE-2024-54531 is a memory handling vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application to bypass Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (kASLR). kASLR is a critical security mechanism that randomizes the memory locations of kernel code and data structures, making it significantly harder for attackers to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. By bypassing kASLR, an attacker can determine the precise memory layout of the kernel, which is often a prerequisite for more severe exploits such as privilege escalation or kernel code execution.

Critical Impact

Local applications can bypass kASLR protection, potentially enabling attackers to chain this vulnerability with other exploits for privilege escalation or kernel compromise.

Affected Products

• Apple macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.2
• Apple macOS Sequoia

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-12-12 - CVE-2024-54531 published to NVD
• 2025-11-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-54531

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within macOS that allows applications to infer kernel memory addresses, effectively defeating the kASLR protection mechanism. kASLR is designed to randomize the base address at which the kernel is loaded into memory during each boot, preventing attackers from reliably predicting where kernel code and data structures reside.

When an application can bypass kASLR, it gains valuable information about the kernel's memory layout. This information disclosure is particularly dangerous because it serves as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker with knowledge of the kernel's memory layout can craft precise exploits targeting specific kernel functions or data structures, significantly increasing the reliability and effectiveness of subsequent exploitation attempts.

The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges to exploit, meaning an attacker would need to execute a malicious application on the target system. However, no user interaction is required once the malicious application is running.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient memory handling within the macOS kernel or kernel extensions. The specific memory handling flaw allows applications to observe or infer information about kernel memory addresses through improper isolation between user-space and kernel-space memory operations. Apple has addressed this issue by implementing improved memory handling that properly isolates sensitive kernel address information from user-space applications.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, requiring an attacker to have the ability to execute code on the target macOS system. The exploitation scenario typically involves:

1. A malicious application being installed and executed on the target system
2. The application exploiting the memory handling flaw to leak kernel memory address information
3. The attacker using the leaked kASLR slide value to calculate actual kernel addresses
4. Chaining this information disclosure with additional vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or kernel exploitation

This vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, but provides critical information that makes such attacks feasible and reliable. The confidentiality impact is high as it exposes sensitive kernel memory layout information.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54531

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual application behavior involving repeated kernel memory queries or probing
• Applications attempting to access kernel-related system information through unconventional methods
• Suspicious processes exhibiting memory scanning patterns targeting kernel address ranges
• Unexpected system calls or API usage patterns associated with memory information disclosure

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for applications making unusual system calls that could be used to probe kernel memory information
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify known exploitation techniques for kASLR bypass
• Deploy behavioral analysis to detect applications exhibiting memory probing characteristics
• Review application entitlements and sandbox violations that might indicate exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive system logging on macOS endpoints to capture application behavior
• Monitor for installation of unsigned or untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability
• Implement SentinelOne endpoint protection to detect and block exploitation attempts in real-time
• Regularly audit installed applications for suspicious behavior patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54531

Immediate Actions Required

• Update macOS to Sequoia version 15.2 or later immediately
• Restrict application installation to trusted sources only (Mac App Store and identified developers)
• Enable Gatekeeper and ensure it is configured to allow only applications from the App Store and identified developers
• Review and remove any suspicious or unnecessary applications from affected systems

Patch Information

Apple has released macOS Sequoia 15.2 which addresses this vulnerability through improved memory handling. The security update is available through the standard macOS Software Update mechanism. Detailed information about the security content of this update can be found in the Apple Security Advisory. Additional technical details are available on the Full Disclosure Mailing List.

To apply the patch:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions)
2. Navigate to General > Software Update
3. Install macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later

Workarounds

• Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
• Use macOS sandbox profiles to restrict application capabilities where possible
• Enable System Integrity Protection (SIP) if not already enabled to provide additional kernel protections
• Consider implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a system is compromised

# Verify macOS version to ensure patch is applied
sw_vers -productVersion
# Expected output should be 15.2 or higher for macOS Sequoia

# Verify System Integrity Protection status
csrutil status
# Expected: System Integrity Protection status: enabled.

# Check Gatekeeper status
spctl --status
# Expected: assessments enabled