CVE-2023-41980 is a permissions-related vulnerability discovered in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows an application to bypass the Privacy preferences set by the user. Privacy preferences in Apple devices are designed to restrict app access to sensitive data such as location, contacts, photos, microphone, and camera. This vulnerability arises from insufficient enforcement of these restrictions, enabling a malicious or compromised app to access data or device capabilities that should be blocked. The issue was addressed by Apple through additional restrictions implemented in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma 14. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on September 26, 2023, but no known active exploitation has been reported. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and not yet fully assessed. However, the nature of the flaw suggests it could be exploited without requiring user interaction or prior authentication, increasing the risk profile. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of Apple’s privacy model, potentially exposing confidential user data to unauthorized apps. Organizations relying on Apple devices for business operations or handling sensitive information are at risk of data leakage or privacy violations if devices are not updated. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the patched releases, though the exact affected versions are unspecified. The fix involves upgrading to the latest OS versions where Apple has implemented stricter permission enforcement.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to data confidentiality and user privacy. Many enterprises and public sector entities in Europe use Apple devices for communication, data access, and business applications. A malicious app exploiting this vulnerability could access sensitive corporate or personal data without user consent, leading to data breaches and regulatory non-compliance, especially under GDPR. The bypass of privacy preferences could also facilitate espionage, unauthorized surveillance, or leakage of intellectual property. Since the vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, the attack surface is broad, increasing the likelihood of exploitation if malicious apps are installed. This risk is amplified in sectors with high privacy requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Additionally, reputational damage and legal consequences could arise from failure to protect user data. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for organizations to remediate before active attacks emerge.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma 14 as soon as these versions are available and tested for compatibility. Device management policies should enforce mandatory OS updates and restrict installation of apps from untrusted sources. Organizations should audit installed applications to identify and remove any that are unnecessary or from unknown developers. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor app permissions and detect anomalous behavior. Educate users about the risks of installing apps outside the official App Store and the importance of applying updates promptly. For sensitive environments, consider additional endpoint security controls that monitor app access to sensitive data. Regularly review privacy settings and conduct security assessments to ensure compliance with internal policies and GDPR requirements. Finally, maintain awareness of Apple security advisories for any further updates or patches related to this vulnerability.