CVE-2024-54531: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2024-54531 is a security vulnerability in macOS that allows applications to bypass Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR). The vulnerability was discovered by researchers Hyerean Jang, Taehun Kim, and Youngjoo Shin, and was fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.2 released on December 11, 2024 (Apple Advisory).

Dubbed 'SysBumps', this vulnerability exploits speculative execution vulnerabilities in macOS system calls. The attack leverages Spectre-type gadgets in system calls, allowing unprivileged attackers to infer kernel addresses and defeat macOS's kernel isolation implementation with 96.28% accuracy across Apple's M-series processors. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple Silicon devices including M1, M1 Pro, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, and M3 Pro, running macOS versions 13.1 through 15.1 (Security Online).

The vulnerability allows an unprivileged application to bypass KASLR, one of macOS's most fundamental security defenses. By successfully exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can reveal the kernel's memory layout, potentially facilitating further attacks by exposing critical system structures (Security Online).

Apple has addressed this vulnerability in macOS Sequoia 15.2 with improved memory handling. Users and organizations running affected versions of macOS are strongly advised to update their systems immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation (Apple Advisory).