CVE-2024-27791 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, tvOS) that allows a local application to corrupt coprocessor memory due to insufficient input validation and improper memory handling, classified as CWE-119. The coprocessor in Apple devices handles specialized processing tasks, and memory corruption here could lead to unpredictable behavior, including potential privilege escalation or denial of service. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access to the device and to convince a user to interact with a malicious app, making exploitation complex but feasible. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.8 (medium severity), reflecting low confidentiality impact, high integrity impact, and low availability impact. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction required (UI:R). The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Ventura 13.6.4, Monterey 12.7.3, Sonoma 14.3, iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, tvOS 17.3, and their respective earlier versions. Apple addressed the issue by implementing improved validation checks to prevent memory corruption. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported, but the vulnerability poses a risk especially in environments where untrusted apps may be installed or where users might be socially engineered to run malicious software.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27791 primarily concerns the integrity of systems running Apple operating systems. Successful exploitation could allow a malicious app to corrupt coprocessor memory, potentially leading to application crashes, data corruption, or escalation of privileges if combined with other vulnerabilities. Confidentiality impact is limited, but integrity and availability could be affected, disrupting business operations or compromising sensitive data integrity. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely on Apple devices for secure operations may face increased risk. The requirement for local access and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread remote attacks but does not eliminate insider threats or targeted attacks. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those that allow installation of third-party apps should be particularly vigilant. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently lowers immediate risk but patching remains critical to prevent future exploitation attempts.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Deploy the latest Apple security updates immediately, ensuring all macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices are updated to the patched versions (macOS Ventura 13.6.4, Monterey 12.7.3, Sonoma 14.3, iOS/iPadOS 17.3, tvOS 17.3 or later). 2) Enforce strict application installation policies, restricting installation to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app deployment. 3) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or prompts that could lead to malicious app installation. 4) Monitor endpoint behavior for signs of memory corruption or unusual application crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous local activity related to memory corruption. 6) Limit physical and local access to devices, especially in sensitive environments, to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 7) Review and tighten BYOD policies to ensure devices comply with security standards and are regularly updated. These targeted steps go beyond generic patching advice and address the specific attack vector and exploitation requirements of this vulnerability.