macOS: Improper Preservation of Permissions
CVE-2024-40821 is a high-severity improper preservation of permissions vulnerability in macOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 12.7.6, 13.6.8, 14.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating macOS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.23% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update macOS to 12.7.6 or 13.6.8 or 14.6 or 12.7, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | macOS | before 12.7.6; before 13.6.8; before 14.6; 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.7; 13.0 up to, but not including, 13.6; 14.0 up to, but not including, 14.6 | 12.7.6, 13.6.8, 14.6, 12.7, 13.6 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.4 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8. Third party app extensions may not receive the correct sandbox restrictions.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Preservation of Permissions
The product does not preserve permissions or incorrectly preserves permissions when copying, restoring, or sharing objects, which can cause them to have less restrictive permissions than intended.
More Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerabilities (CWE-281)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other references
- support.apple.com/en-us/120910
- support.apple.com/en-us/120911
- support.apple.com/en-us/120912
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18Mailing List
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19Mailing List
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20Mailing List
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214118
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214119
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214120
Other vulnerabilities in macOS
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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