CVE-2024-54546: Apple macOS Sequoia DoS Vulnerability

CVE-2024-54546 Overview

CVE-2024-54546 is a memory handling vulnerability affecting Apple macOS. A malicious application can trigger unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory on affected systems. Apple addressed the flaw in macOS Sequoia 15 through improved memory handling routines.

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-400] (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption). It carries an EPSS probability of 0.414%, placing it in the 33rd percentile for likelihood of exploitation. No public proof-of-concept code or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported.

Critical Impact
A local application can corrupt kernel memory or cause system-wide termination, undermining the integrity and availability of macOS hosts.

Affected Products

Apple macOS versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15
Systems running vulnerable kernel memory handling routines
All Mac hardware supported by pre-Sequoia macOS releases

Discovery Timeline

2025-03-10 - CVE-2024-54546 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in the NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-54546

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-54546 stems from improper memory handling within a macOS kernel component. An application running on the system can invoke the affected code path and trigger memory corruption inside the kernel address space. The consequence is either an unexpected system termination (kernel panic) or persistent corruption of kernel memory structures.

Memory corruption within kernel context is significant because kernel objects govern process isolation, scheduling, and access control. Overwriting kernel structures can destabilize the operating system and, depending on the corrupted region, may influence downstream execution paths handled by the kernel.

Apple's advisory categorizes the fix as "improved memory handling," indicating that the vendor tightened validation or lifetime management for the affected buffer or object. The specific subsystem was not disclosed in the public advisory.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient memory handling in a macOS kernel routine, aligned with [CWE-400]. The code path did not adequately constrain resource use or memory operations when processing input from a user-space application. Apple resolved the issue by hardening the memory handling logic in macOS Sequoia 15.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires an application to execute on the target macOS system and issue crafted requests that reach the vulnerable kernel path. The application does not need elevated privileges to trigger the flaw. Successful exploitation results in system termination or kernel memory corruption, both of which affect integrity and availability.

No verified public exploit code is available. See the Apple Support Document for the vendor advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54546

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected kernel panics with crash reports referencing recently launched or newly installed applications
Recurring system terminations tied to a specific process or bundle identifier
Anomalous kernel diagnostic entries in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ immediately following untrusted application execution

Detection Strategies

Monitor macOS endpoints for repeated kernel panics correlated with untrusted or newly signed applications
Inventory macOS hosts and flag any system reporting a build older than macOS Sequoia 15
Correlate application launch telemetry with crash report generation to identify processes that consistently precede panics

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward DiagnosticReports and system.log entries to a centralized log platform for aggregation and alerting
Track macOS version compliance across the fleet and alert on hosts missing the Sequoia 15 update
Alert on installation or execution of unsigned or newly notarized applications on unpatched hosts

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54546

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade all eligible Mac systems to macOS Sequoia 15 or later to apply the vendor fix
Identify hosts that cannot upgrade and restrict them to trusted, signed applications only
Review recent kernel panic reports on macOS endpoints to identify potential exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Apple fixed CVE-2024-54546 in macOS Sequoia 15 through improved memory handling. Administrators should apply the update via System Settings → General → Software Update, or through their managed device deployment platform. Full patch details are available in the Apple Support Document.

Workarounds

Restrict application execution to Apple-notarized software using Gatekeeper policies
Enforce least-privilege user accounts to reduce the pool of applications that can reach the vulnerable code path
Use mobile device management (MDM) to block installation of unvetted third-party applications until patching completes

bash

# Verify the installed macOS version meets the patched baseline
sw_vers -productVersion

# Trigger a software update check via the command line
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart