CVE-2024-27869 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to record the screen without displaying the mandatory recording indicator to the user. This indicator is a critical privacy feature designed to alert users when screen capture is active. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation checks within the screen recording subsystem, permitting apps to bypass the visual notification mechanism. It affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15, as well as iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, where the issue has been resolved through enhanced validation controls. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 indicates a high-severity issue with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is primarily on integrity, as unauthorized screen recording can lead to sensitive information leakage without the user's knowledge. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild, the potential for covert data exfiltration is significant. The CWE-22 tag suggests a directory traversal or path manipulation aspect, possibly related to how screen recording resources are accessed or controlled. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust user notification mechanisms in privacy-sensitive operations like screen capture.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to confidentiality and data integrity. Unauthorized screen recording can lead to leakage of sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, and personally identifiable information (PII) without user awareness. This is especially critical for sectors handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology. The covert nature of the exploit means that attackers could conduct espionage or data theft without triggering alerts or suspicion. Additionally, compliance with European data protection regulations like GDPR could be jeopardized if screen recordings capture personal data without consent. The absence of required privileges or user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the threat landscape. Organizations relying on macOS devices must consider the risk of insider threats or malicious applications exploiting this flaw to bypass security controls.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade all affected Apple devices to macOS Sequoia 15, iOS 18, or iPadOS 18, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Organizations should enforce strict application vetting and limit installation to trusted sources, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring screen recording APIs and flagging anomalous behavior. Regularly audit application permissions related to screen recording and revoke unnecessary privileges. Employ user awareness training to recognize suspicious app behavior and encourage reporting. Network segmentation and data loss prevention (DLP) tools can help detect and block unauthorized data exfiltration attempts. For high-security environments, consider disabling screen recording features where feasible or using mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies. Continuous monitoring for updates and threat intelligence feeds is essential to respond promptly to any emerging exploits.