Citrix Urges Mac Users to Patch Workspace App Against Privilege Escalation Flaw – CVE-2024-5027

CVE-2024-5027

Cloud Software Group, the entity behind Citrix products, has issued a security advisory warning Mac users of a high-severity vulnerability in the Citrix Workspace app. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-5027, could allow an attacker with local access to a Mac device to escalate their privileges to the highest level (root user), potentially gaining complete control of the system.

CVE-2024-5027

What’s the Risk?

The vulnerability (CVSS score of 7.7) affects all versions of the Citrix Workspace app for Mac prior to 2402.10. For an attacker to exploit this vulnerability, they must have local authenticated access to the device running the vulnerable version of Citrix Workspace app for Mac. This means that the attacker needs to have an existing user account on the system, reducing the likelihood of remote exploitation but posing a significant risk from insider threats or if an attacker can gain initial access through other means. A successful attack could lead to:

  • Data Theft: Unauthorized access to sensitive files and information.
  • System Modification: The ability to alter system settings, install malware, or create backdoors.
  • Complete System Takeover: In the worst-case scenario, an attacker could gain full control of the affected device.

Who’s Affected?

The following versions of the Citrix Workspace app for Mac are affected by CVE-2024-5027:

  • Citrix Workspace app for Mac versions prior to 2402.10

Mitigation is Critical

Cloud Software Group strongly recommends that all affected users immediately update their Citrix Workspace app for Mac to version 2402.10 or later. This update addresses the vulnerability and eliminates the risk of exploitation.