*June 2024 brought a new security update for macOS users. Let’s take an exclusive deep dive into CVE-2024-44210, a flaw that could’ve let rogue apps sneak into your personal data—until Apple put the brakes on it in macOS Sequoia 15.1.*

What is CVE-2024-44210?

CVE-2024-44210 is a permissions vulnerability Apple discovered in macOS (before Sequoia 15.1). In plain English, a malicious app could bypass the usual permissions and reach into sensitive user data—potentially snooping on things you’d rather keep private.

The fix? Apple improved how system permissions are checked. Let’s unpack how the bug worked, how attackers could exploit it, and what Apple changed behind the scenes.

The Problem: Faulty Permission Checking

Modern operating systems like macOS use permissions to protect different kinds of user data (like your Documents, Downloads, Contacts, etc) from apps that shouldn’t have access. If an app wants to reach such data, macOS asks you for permission—think of the pop-ups you get when a new app wants to use your Photos or Microphone.

With CVE-2024-44210, researchers found that under some conditions, a sneaky app could bypass Apple’s permission checks. That means the bad app might grab your data without asking.

Here’s a simplified example in code

import Foundation

let filePath = "/Users/username/Documents/private-stuff.txt"
do {
    let data = try Data(contentsOf: URL(fileURLWithPath: filePath))
    print("Read data: \(data)")
} catch {
    print("Permission denied or file not found.")
}

Normally, if the app doesn’t have permission for Documents, macOS blocks this. But with this flaw, specially crafted code could get around the gatekeeper.

Exploit Details: What Could Attackers Do?

While there’s no public exploit code (for good reason), security specialists disclosed that a malicious app could use system loopholes to fool macOS into skipping the user consent check.

The Fix: Improved Permissions Checking

Apple’s update, macOS Sequoia 15.1, included this closed-source patch. According to the official Apple Security Releases:

> Impact: An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
> Description: This issue was addressed with improved permissions checking.
> CVE-2024-44210

Apple’s devs audited how apps request sensitive resources and tightened the permission validation logic.

How to Stay Safe

- Update MacOS: Install Sequoia 15.1 or later. (How to update)

Only download trusted apps: Even with a patch, shady apps are always risky.

- Review app permissions: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and see which apps have access to what.

References & Further Reading

- Apple Security Updates — June 2024
- CVE Record for CVE-2024-44210
- Apple's macOS Security Products

Final Thoughts

CVE-2024-44210 is a reminder: even world-class platforms like macOS need constant security attention. Apple’s quick fix shows their commitment to user privacy—but it’s up to us to keep our systems patched and be picky about the apps we run.

Timeline

Published on: 01/16/2026 17:06:08 UTC
Last modified on: 01/27/2026 20:24:01 UTC