CVE-2024-27825 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically impacting Intel-based Mac computers. The root cause is a downgrade issue related to code-signing restrictions, which are security mechanisms designed to ensure that only trusted and verified applications can access certain system functionalities and user data. Due to this flaw, an application may bypass certain Privacy preferences set by the user or system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected resources or sensitive information. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14.5, where Apple introduced additional code-signing restrictions to address this issue. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects a high severity level, with an attack vector classified as local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the machine. The attack complexity is high (AC:H), indicating that exploitation is not straightforward and requires specific conditions or expertise. No privileges are required (PR:N), and no user interaction is needed (UI:N), which means the vulnerability can be exploited without elevated permissions or user consent once local access is obtained. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, and the impact on confidentiality and integrity is high (C:H/I:H), while availability is not affected (A:N). This vulnerability falls under CWE-277, which relates to improper authorization, highlighting that the system fails to enforce correct access controls. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for abuse exists, especially in environments where sensitive data is protected by macOS Privacy preferences. Organizations relying on Intel-based Macs should upgrade to macOS Sonoma 14.5 or later to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data managed on Intel-based Mac systems. Since the flaw allows bypassing Privacy preferences, malicious applications could access protected user data, such as contacts, calendars, location information, or other privacy-sensitive resources without authorization. This could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or exposure of personal information, which are critical concerns under GDPR and other data protection regulations in Europe. The integrity impact means that unauthorized modifications to data or system settings could occur, potentially undermining trust in system security and compliance. Although exploitation requires local access and has high complexity, insider threats or attackers who gain physical or remote local access could leverage this vulnerability. The lack of user interaction needed for exploitation increases the stealthiness of potential attacks. The vulnerability does not affect availability, so denial-of-service attacks are unlikely. However, the breach of privacy controls can have severe reputational and regulatory consequences for organizations, especially those in finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure sectors. Prompt patching and enhanced monitoring are essential to reduce exposure.

European organizations should immediately plan and execute an upgrade to macOS Sonoma 14.5 or later on all Intel-based Mac devices to apply the fix for CVE-2024-27825. Until the patch is deployed, organizations should enforce strict local access controls, including limiting physical and remote access to trusted personnel only. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual application behavior that attempts to access privacy-protected resources. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. Regularly audit installed applications and remove any unnecessary or suspicious software. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of maintaining updated systems. For environments with high security requirements, consider additional hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services and enforcing strict user privilege separation. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories for any additional guidance or updates related to this vulnerability.