CVE-2024-23230 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access sensitive user data due to improper file handling. The issue is classified under CWE-862, which relates to missing authorization checks. Specifically, a local application with limited privileges (low attack complexity and requiring some privileges but no user interaction) can bypass expected access controls to read sensitive data it should not have permission to access. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions before the patches introduced in macOS Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, and Ventura 13.6.5. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the fact that the attack vector is local (AV:L), requires low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality (C:H) but not integrity or availability. The flaw was addressed by Apple through improved file handling mechanisms that enforce proper authorization checks, preventing unauthorized data access. There are no known exploits in the wild, indicating that active exploitation has not been observed yet. The vulnerability is significant because it can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user information, which could include personal data or credentials, potentially facilitating further attacks or privacy violations. Given the widespread use of macOS in enterprise and personal environments, this vulnerability poses a risk especially where local app installation is less controlled or where users may run untrusted software.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-23230 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This can lead to privacy breaches, exposure of confidential information, and possible escalation paths if attackers leverage the disclosed data for further compromise. Organizations with employees using macOS laptops or desktops, especially in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, face increased risk. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability directly but compromises confidentiality, which can have regulatory and reputational consequences under GDPR and other data protection laws. Since exploitation requires local access and some privileges, the threat is higher in environments where endpoint security controls are weak, or where users may install untrusted applications. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation. Failure to patch could lead to insider threats or malware leveraging this vulnerability to extract sensitive data.

1. Apply the official Apple security updates immediately: upgrade to macOS Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, Ventura 13.6.5, or later versions where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Enforce strict application control policies using Apple’s built-in tools like Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring local app behavior for suspicious file access patterns. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and enforce least privilege principles to minimize the number of users with elevated local privileges. 5. Regularly audit macOS devices for compliance with security policies and ensure that all security patches are promptly applied. 6. Consider network segmentation and data access controls to limit sensitive data exposure even if local device compromise occurs. 7. Monitor logs for unusual file access attempts or privilege escalations that could indicate exploitation attempts.