CVE-2024-23283 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems (iOS and iPadOS). The issue arises from insufficient redaction of sensitive user data within system log entries, which could allow a local application to access private information that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions, including Monterey 12.7.4, Sonoma 14.4, and Ventura 13.6.5, as well as iOS 16.7.6 and iPadOS 16.7.6. The root cause is inadequate sanitization of log data, enabling an app with local access to read sensitive information from logs that are not properly redacted. According to the CVSS v3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N), exploitation requires local access but no privileges or user interaction, and the impact is high on confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability. Apple has fixed this vulnerability by enhancing the private data redaction mechanisms in the affected OS versions. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. This vulnerability primarily threatens user privacy by exposing sensitive data to unauthorized local applications, which could be leveraged for further attacks or data leakage.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-23283 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could compromise personal or corporate information, leading to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since exploitation requires local access, the threat is heightened in environments where endpoint security is weak or where users may inadvertently install malicious or untrusted applications. Organizations with macOS-based workstations, especially in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, and government, could face increased risk. The confidentiality breach could also facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation if attackers leverage exposed data. However, the lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the scope to data exposure rather than system disruption.

To mitigate CVE-2024-23283, European organizations should: 1) Immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple for macOS Monterey 12.7.4, Sonoma 14.4, Ventura 13.6.5, iOS 16.7.6, and iPadOS 16.7.6 to ensure the improved private data redaction is in place. 2) Enforce strict application control policies to prevent installation of unauthorized or untrusted apps that could exploit local access vulnerabilities. 3) Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activity indicative of attempts to access sensitive logs. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and the importance of applying OS updates promptly. 5) Review and restrict local user permissions to minimize the ability of apps to access sensitive system areas. 6) Conduct regular audits of log access and system configurations to detect anomalies. These steps go beyond generic patching by emphasizing proactive endpoint security and user awareness.