Threat of TCC Bypasses on macOS

Why developers must take bypass vulnerabilities seriously.

macOS users often face pop-ups requesting permission to access files, cameras, and microphones. These prompts are part of Apple’s (TCC) framework (Transparency, Consent, and Control), which is essential for safeguarding privacy by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

However, many software vendors and security professionals underestimate TCC’s importance, viewing it as a mere annoyance. I once held this belief until I began developing macOS malware for research. I soon realized how effectively TCC can block malicious activities, even when attackers have significant access.

This article is aimed at application developers and security researchers to highlight the risks of TCC bypasses and why they deserve serious attention.

You can find the article on the AFINE blog where I published it: https://afine.com/threat-of-tcc-bypasses-on-macos/