CVE-2024-23291 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS) that allows a malicious application to observe sensitive user data through log entries related to accessibility notifications. The root cause is insufficient redaction of private data in system logs, which can be accessed by unprivileged apps. Accessibility notifications often contain sensitive information about user interactions and assistive technology usage, which if exposed, can compromise user privacy. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, making it easier to exploit remotely or locally by installing a malicious app. Apple addressed this issue in tvOS 17.4 and corresponding OS updates by improving private data redaction in logs. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.5 (high), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and a high impact on confidentiality only. There are no known exploits in the wild yet, but the potential for privacy breaches is significant, especially in environments where sensitive accessibility data is logged and accessible. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and strict access controls on diagnostic data.

For European organizations, the primary impact is a breach of user privacy and confidentiality. Organizations using Apple devices, including Apple TV in meeting rooms, digital signage, or public kiosks, may inadvertently expose sensitive user data if malicious apps are installed. This can lead to exposure of personal information, potentially violating GDPR and other privacy regulations, resulting in legal and reputational damage. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, the confidentiality breach could be exploited for targeted surveillance or profiling of users, especially those relying on accessibility features. Enterprises with strict compliance requirements or handling sensitive user data must prioritize remediation. The risk is heightened in sectors such as healthcare, education, and government, where accessibility services are commonly used and privacy is critical.

The primary mitigation is to update all affected Apple devices to tvOS 17.4 or later, as well as iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, and watchOS 10.4 where applicable. Organizations should enforce strict app installation policies, allowing only trusted and vetted applications to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Monitoring and auditing app permissions and system logs for unusual access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, disabling unnecessary accessibility features or restricting access to accessibility notifications logs where possible can reduce exposure. For managed environments, use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce timely patch deployment and app control. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps, especially on shared or public Apple TV devices. Finally, review logging configurations to ensure sensitive data is not unnecessarily exposed in logs accessible to user-level applications.