CVE-2024-23242 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, specifically addressed in versions iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.4. The root cause stems from the improper logging of contents entered into text fields, which could inadvertently expose sensitive Mail data to applications with limited privileges. This vulnerability falls under CWE-532, which relates to information exposure through log files. An app with local privileges (AV:L) and low complexity (AC:L) but requiring some privileges (PR:L) can exploit this issue without user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is limited to confidentiality (C:L), with no impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability does not require network access and is not remotely exploitable, reducing its overall risk. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating it is not actively weaponized. The fix involves preventing sensitive text field contents from being logged, thereby protecting Mail data from unauthorized access by local apps. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and strict data handling policies within operating systems to prevent inadvertent data leakage.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-23242 is the potential exposure of sensitive Mail data to unauthorized local applications on Apple iOS and iPadOS devices. This could lead to privacy breaches involving confidential communications, intellectual property, or personal information. Although the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability, the confidentiality breach could have compliance implications under GDPR and other privacy regulations, especially if sensitive personal or corporate information is exposed. The limited exploitability (local app with privileges, no user interaction) reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation, but insider threats or malicious apps installed on corporate devices could leverage this vulnerability. Organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for email communications should consider this a privacy risk that could undermine trust and data protection efforts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but delayed patching could increase exposure over time.

European organizations should prioritize updating Apple devices to iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, or macOS Sonoma 14.4 as soon as possible to apply the fix for this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict app installation policies, limiting apps to those from trusted sources and minimizing privileges granted to apps, especially those that could access sensitive data. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app permissions and detect anomalous app behavior. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and encourage reporting of suspicious activity. Regularly audit logs and device configurations to ensure no unauthorized logging or data exposure occurs. Consider encrypting mail data at rest and in transit to add an additional layer of protection. Finally, review privacy and data handling policies to ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations in the context of mobile device usage.