CVE-2024-23215 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as macOS Sonoma, watchOS, and tvOS. The flaw arises from improper handling of temporary files, which may allow a malicious app to access user-sensitive data without requiring privileges or authentication. Specifically, the vulnerability enables an app with limited access (local attack vector) and no privileges to read sensitive information that it should not normally access. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as installing or running the malicious app. The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive user data. Apple addressed this issue in iOS and iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, watchOS 10.3, and tvOS 17.3 by improving temporary file handling to prevent unauthorized data access. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5, reflecting medium severity due to the local attack vector, lack of required privileges, and user interaction needed for exploitation. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with temporary file management in mobile operating systems, where improper isolation or cleanup can lead to data leakage between apps or processes.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-23215 lies in the potential exposure of sensitive user data on Apple mobile devices used within corporate environments. This could include personal information, credentials, or confidential business data stored or processed on iOS and iPadOS devices. Organizations relying heavily on Apple devices for communication, remote work, or mobile applications may face increased risk of data leakage if malicious apps are installed by users. Although exploitation requires user interaction, social engineering or phishing campaigns could facilitate this. The confidentiality breach could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), reputational damage, and potential financial losses. However, since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. The risk is heightened in sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but patching is critical to prevent future attacks.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to iOS and iPadOS 17.3 or later, as well as macOS Sonoma 14.3 and other relevant OS versions, to apply the official fix. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to control app installations, restricting users from installing untrusted or unsigned applications. Implementing app vetting and whitelisting can reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. User awareness training should emphasize the dangers of installing apps from unofficial sources and the importance of prompt OS updates. Additionally, organizations should monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Employing endpoint security solutions tailored for mobile devices can help detect and block malicious behavior. Regular audits of device compliance and patch status are essential to maintain security posture against this vulnerability.