CVE-2024-27830 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as related operating systems like tvOS, visionOS, watchOS, and macOS Sonoma. The flaw stems from improper state management within the web browsing environment, specifically Safari 17.5 and earlier versions, which allows a maliciously crafted webpage to perform user fingerprinting. Fingerprinting is a technique where an attacker collects various device and browser attributes to uniquely identify and track users across sessions and websites without relying on traditional tracking methods like cookies. This vulnerability does not directly expose confidential data or allow code execution but compromises user privacy by enabling persistent tracking. Exploitation requires no privileges but does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious webpage. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), reflecting the lack of confidentiality impact but a high integrity impact due to unauthorized tracking. Apple has fixed this issue in the 17.5 updates of iOS, iPadOS, Safari, and other related OS versions by improving state management to prevent fingerprinting vectors. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date, but the vulnerability highlights ongoing privacy challenges in web environments on mobile devices.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-27830 is on user privacy and data protection compliance. Fingerprinting can enable unauthorized tracking of users, potentially violating GDPR and other privacy regulations by undermining user consent and data minimization principles. Organizations relying on iOS and iPadOS devices for employee mobile access or customer-facing applications may see increased risk of user profiling by malicious actors. This can lead to reputational damage, loss of user trust, and regulatory scrutiny if personal data is indirectly exposed or misused. Although the vulnerability does not allow direct data theft or system compromise, the ability to fingerprint users can facilitate targeted phishing, social engineering, or surveillance campaigns. The impact is particularly relevant for sectors handling sensitive personal data or critical infrastructure where privacy is paramount.

European organizations should ensure all Apple devices are updated promptly to iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, and corresponding OS versions that include the fix. Beyond patching, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web filtering to block access to known malicious sites that could host fingerprinting scripts. Educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted webpages and encouraging cautious browsing behavior is essential. Deploying privacy-focused browser configurations or extensions that limit fingerprinting vectors can further reduce risk. Organizations should also review their privacy policies and compliance frameworks to address fingerprinting risks and monitor for unusual tracking activity. For managed devices, enforcing update policies and restricting installation of untrusted applications will help maintain a secure environment.