CVE-2024-27792 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to potentially access user-sensitive data without proper authorization. The root cause is the lack of an adequate user consent prompt before granting access to sensitive information, which could be exploited by a malicious or compromised app. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the release of macOS Sonoma 14.4, where Apple introduced an additional prompt requiring explicit user consent to access sensitive data. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium severity), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). This means an attacker needs to convince a user to interact with a malicious app locally, but no elevated privileges are necessary. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), highlighting that the access control mechanisms were insufficient to prevent unauthorized data access. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for sensitive data exposure makes this a significant concern. The fix involves adding an additional user consent prompt to ensure users are aware and approve access to sensitive data, thereby strengthening the security posture of macOS devices.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations handling personal data, intellectual property, or confidential business information on Apple endpoints could face data leakage if a malicious app exploits this flaw. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate the risk from insider threats or social engineering attacks. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use macOS devices and handle sensitive data, could be particularly impacted. Data breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. The medium severity rating reflects a moderate risk that can be mitigated by timely patching and user awareness. Since no integrity or availability impacts exist, the primary concern remains unauthorized data disclosure.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading all macOS devices to version Sonoma 14.4 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed by the introduction of an additional user consent prompt. Implement strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual app behaviors and access to sensitive data. Conduct user training to raise awareness about the risks of granting permissions to unknown or suspicious applications, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing consent prompts. Regularly audit installed applications and remove unnecessary or outdated software that could be exploited. For high-security environments, consider restricting macOS device usage or enforcing stricter device management policies via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions centrally. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly address any potential data exposure incidents.