Top 10 Vulnerabilities in mac OS 2024 and How to Resolve Them from the Terminal

By DarkLAI Dev

renowned for its security and performance, but no platform is entirely free from vulnerabilities. In this article, we explore the top ten most significant vulnerabilities of 2024 and how to address them using the Terminal, leveraging the capabilities of the 2023 MacBook Pro. We also include some key tips to maximize security on the device and in the cloud.

How to Open the Terminal in macOS:

To open the Terminal in macOS, follow these steps:

1. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Spacebar.
2. Type “Terminal” and select the application.
3. A console window will open where you can enter the commands provided in each vulnerability’s solution.

1. CVE-2024-14251: Authentication Bypass in Gatekeeper

Description: Gatekeeper allows apps to run without warnings.
Solution: Enable Gatekeeper and set it to allow only secure applications.

Command:
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --rule 'App Store' --rule 'identified developers'
This ensures that Gatekeeper is activated and restricts apps to trusted sources.

2. CVE-2024-16732: Vulnerability in Apple Neural Engine

Description: Memory issues in the Neural Engine.
Solution: Update the system and avoid running unverified applications.

Command:
sudo softwareupdate --install --all
This command checks for and applies macOS updates, ensuring the Neural Engine is up-to-date.

3. CVE-2024-19284: Vulnerability in Bluetooth Subsystem

Description: Allows unauthorized access via Bluetooth.
Solution: Turn off Bluetooth when not in use.

Command:
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth ControllerPowerState -int 0
sudo pkill -HUP bluetoothd
This command disables Bluetooth on the system. To re-enable, change -int 0 to -int 1.

4. CVE-2024-21011: Remote Code Execution in Safari

Description: Malicious scripts in Safari via WebKit.
Solution: Update Safari and set restrictions.

Command:
sudo softwareupdate --install Safari
This updates Safari to its most secure version. To block scripts, open Safari Preferences, go to Security, and disable “Enable JavaScript” for unknown sites.

5. CVE-2024-24833: Kernel Vulnerability

Description: Kernel flaw that allows privilege escalation.
Solution: Update macOS.

Command:
sudo softwareupdate --install --all
This command updates the system to resolve kernel issues.

6. CVE-2024-26798: Command Injection in Terminal

Description: Allows malicious commands in the Terminal.
Solution: Avoid running unfamiliar commands.

Command to block Terminal access to sensitive directories:
sudo chmod -R go-rwx /Library/LaunchDaemons
This command revokes permissions in the LaunchDaemons directory, limiting access to critical system processes.

7. CVE-2024-28315: Exploits in iCloud Drive

Description: Vulnerability in iCloud Drive that allows unauthorized access.
Solution: Restrict authorized applications and enable two-factor authentication.

Command:
open -a "System Preferences" iCloud
Enter iCloud options to limit authorized apps. Set up authentication in your Apple ID security settings.

8. CVE-2024-30002: APFS Filesystem Access Vulnerability

Description: Allows access to protected files.
Solution: Set access permissions in APFS.

Command:
sudo chmod -R o-rwx /path/to/protected_directory
Replace /path/to/protected_directory with the directory path you want to protect.

9. CVE-2024-31678: Data Leak in Mail Application

Description: Possible access to messages stored in Mail.
Solution: Configure Mail to encrypt messages.

Command to enable privacy in Mail:
defaults write com.apple.mail DisableURLLoading -bool true
This command blocks loading external content in emails.

10. CVE-2024-33005: FaceTime Vulnerability

Description: Allows unauthorized access to camera or microphone.
Solution: Update FaceTime and adjust permissions.

Command to disable FaceTime:
defaults write com.apple.FaceTime AutoAcceptInvites -bool false
This command prevents automatic connections in FaceTime.

Conclusion

These security solutions are essential to protect your MacBook from modern threats. The combination of updates and Terminal commands keeps the system updated and secure.

Additional Tips to Keep Your MacBook and Cloud Account Secure:

1. Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID to protect iCloud data. Configuration from Terminal:
   open -a "System Preferences" Security & Privacy
2. Regularly back up with Time Machine or iCloud.
3. Control app access permissions: limit access to the microphone, camera, and other sensitive resources in Security & Privacy.
4. Avoid public Wi-Fi without VPN and turn off Bluetooth when not in use.

With these practices and configurations, you can maximize your MacBook’s security and safeguard your data in Apple’s cloud.
And as always, we thank you from the whole team for your readings, we started this project as a hobby and that 1000 people have read our work drives us, thanks to all those who sent messages and our next topic will be the safety in radio frequency devices, let's continue learning together...