CVE-2024-27862 is a logic issue in Apple macOS related to the interaction between Lockdown Mode and FileVault disk encryption during the initial device setup process. Lockdown Mode is a security feature designed to reduce the attack surface by restricting certain functionalities. However, when enabled during setup, this vulnerability causes FileVault—Apple’s full-disk encryption technology—to become unexpectedly disabled due to improper state management. This means that although users believe their data is encrypted and protected, the disk encryption is actually turned off, compromising data integrity and potentially exposing sensitive information if the device is lost or stolen. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting that it can be exploited remotely without authentication or user interaction, but it does not directly impact confidentiality or availability. The issue is addressed in macOS Sonoma 14.6 with improved state management to ensure FileVault remains enabled when Lockdown Mode is activated during setup. There are no known exploits in the wild, and the affected versions are unspecified but presumably include versions prior to 14.6. The CWE classification is CWE-400, indicating a resource management or state management weakness. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations that enforce strict encryption policies and rely on FileVault to secure endpoint data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to data integrity and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, which mandates appropriate technical measures to protect personal data. If FileVault is disabled without user knowledge, sensitive corporate or personal data stored on macOS devices could be exposed if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized parties. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality through remote exploitation, the loss of encryption protection increases the risk of data breaches. This could lead to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Organizations in sectors with high data sensitivity—such as finance, healthcare, and government—are particularly at risk. The ease of exploitation (no authentication or user interaction required) means that devices configured with Lockdown Mode during setup are vulnerable immediately until patched. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to version 14.6 or later to ensure the fix is applied. During device provisioning, avoid enabling Lockdown Mode until after confirming FileVault is properly enabled and active. Implement endpoint management solutions that can verify encryption status remotely and alert administrators if FileVault is disabled. Educate IT staff and users about this issue to ensure awareness during device setup and configuration. Regularly audit device encryption status across the organization to detect any anomalies. For organizations using automated deployment or imaging tools, update workflows to incorporate the patched macOS version and validation steps. Additionally, consider implementing physical security controls and data loss prevention measures to mitigate risks from unencrypted devices. Monitoring for any emerging exploit attempts related to this vulnerability is also recommended.