CVE-2024-23272 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS that permits a user with limited privileges to access protected parts of the file system that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation checks in the system's access control mechanisms, allowing privilege escalation in terms of file system visibility or access. This issue affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, and Ventura 13.6.5. The flaw does not require user interaction to exploit but does require the attacker to have local access with low privileges (AV:L, PR:L, UI:N). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the moderate ease of exploitation and significant confidentiality impact (C:H), while integrity and availability remain unaffected (I:N, A:N). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized data exposure, potentially allowing attackers to read sensitive files or system configurations that are normally protected. The patch addresses the issue by improving the logic checks that govern access to these protected file system areas. Organizations running vulnerable macOS versions should prioritize updating to the fixed releases to mitigate the risk. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is primarily a confidentiality concern, with potential implications for data privacy and compliance if exploited.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-23272 is unauthorized access to protected file system areas, which compromises confidentiality. For European organizations, this could lead to exposure of sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, it is less likely to cause system disruptions or data tampering. However, the ability for a low-privileged user to access restricted files could facilitate further attacks or data leakage within organizations. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on macOS endpoints for sensitive operations are at higher risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk, especially from insider threats or targeted attacks. The medium severity score indicates a moderate risk level, but the potential impact on confidentiality in regulated environments elevates the importance of timely patching and monitoring.

1. Immediately apply the official patches released by Apple for macOS Sonoma 14.4, Monterey 12.7.4, and Ventura 13.6.5 to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Conduct an audit of local user accounts and permissions to ensure that only trusted users have access to macOS systems, minimizing the risk of exploitation by low-privileged users. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual file system access patterns or privilege escalations on macOS devices. 4. Enforce strict physical and logical access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to macOS endpoints. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege misuse and encourage reporting of suspicious activity. 6. Regularly review and update macOS systems to the latest security releases to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities. 7. For organizations with sensitive data, consider additional file system encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) controls to limit the impact of unauthorized file access.