The growing popularity of the Mac is both a blessing and a curse
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Hackers are developing more sophisticated cross-platform tactics to take advantage of the ever-growing Mac user base, and the latest one is targeting the TCC framework.
The Mac's reputation for strong security is both a valuable asset and a serious liability, and as more companies adopt the platform, it is becoming increasingly a target for hackers.
The macOS security architecture includes a Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) framework that aims to protect user privacy by controlling app permissions. However, recent findings from Interpres Security show that TCC can be manipulated to make Macs vulnerable to attacks.
The TCC framework manages app permissions on macOS to protect sensitive information and system settings. Unfortunately, vulnerabilities in TCC allow unauthorized access to the system.
Hackers are increasingly targeting enterprise users such as developers and engineers using tactics such as social engineering.
TCC has a history of exploits and weaknesses, including direct modifications to its database and exploitation of weaknesses in system integrity protection. In previous versions, hackers could gain secret permissions by accessing and modifying the TCC.db file.
Apple introduced System Integrity Protection (SIP) to counter such attacks in macOS Sierra, but even SIP was bypassed. For example, in 2023, Microsoft discovered a vulnerability in macOS that could completely bypass system integrity protection.
Apple has addressed some of these issues with security updates, but Interpres Security warns that attackers such as the North Korean Lazarus group continue to focus on Macs in corporate environments.
In addition to TCC, Finder is also a potential attack vector. Finder has Full Disk Access by default, but doesn't show up under Safety & Security. Privacy permissions that remain hidden from users.
Once Finder access to the Terminal is granted, it becomes permanent unless manually revoked. This way, an attacker can use Finder to gain control of the terminal and secure disk access.
How to protect yourself from TCC abuse
Certain strategies can be implemented to protect macOS systems from TCC abuse. Always enable System Integrity Protection and update your operating system to address vulnerabilities.
Additionally, implementation of the principle of least privilege by corporate IT departments can limit user and application access rights. This is a method of ensuring that each user only has the permissions they need to do their job.
It is also critical to provide regular security awareness training to educate users about phishing attempts and other common tactics used in social engineering attacks. Systems are only as secure as their weakest link, which is usually human error.
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