CVE-2023-42924 is a logic flaw identified in Apple macOS that could permit an application to bypass intended access controls and retrieve sensitive user data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation or enforcement of security checks within the operating system's logic, which an attacker-controlled app could exploit to escalate privileges or access data beyond its authorization scope. Apple has resolved this issue by implementing improved verification mechanisms in macOS Sonoma 14.2 and macOS Ventura 13.6.3. The affected versions are not explicitly specified but include macOS releases prior to these updates. No public exploits or active attacks have been reported, indicating the vulnerability is not yet weaponized in the wild. However, the potential for data leakage poses a significant risk to user privacy and organizational confidentiality. Since the vulnerability involves sensitive user data exposure, it impacts the confidentiality aspect of security. The absence of a CVSS score suggests limited public technical details, but the nature of the flaw implies a moderate to high risk if exploited. The vulnerability likely requires an app to be installed on the target system, which may involve user interaction or social engineering to deploy malicious software. The fix involves enhanced logic checks to prevent unauthorized data access, underscoring the importance of applying security patches promptly. Organizations relying on macOS devices should verify their update status and restrict app installations to trusted sources to mitigate exploitation risks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data on macOS devices, potentially resulting in data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or exposure of personal information protected under GDPR. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often handle highly sensitive data, could face significant reputational and regulatory consequences if exploited. The impact extends to any macOS endpoints within corporate environments, including employee laptops and shared devices. Since macOS is widely used in certain European markets and industries, the scope of affected systems could be substantial. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially from targeted attacks or insider threats deploying malicious apps. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in macOS security, prompting increased scrutiny and potential operational disruptions during remediation. Overall, the confidentiality breach potential makes this a critical concern for data protection and compliance in Europe.

European organizations should immediately verify that all macOS devices are updated to at least macOS Sonoma 14.2 or macOS Ventura 13.6.3 to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Implement strict application control policies to limit app installations to verified and trusted sources, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and monitor for unusual app behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious access patterns to sensitive data on macOS systems. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and the importance of applying system updates promptly. For organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, enforce compliance checks to ensure devices meet security standards before network access. Additionally, review and tighten macOS privacy and security settings to minimize unnecessary data exposure. Maintain incident response readiness to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts. Collaborate with Apple support channels for guidance and stay informed about any emerging threats related to this vulnerability.