CVE-2024-27871 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iOS and iPadOS operating systems, specifically related to improper path validation (CWE-22). The flaw allows an application with limited privileges (PR:L) to potentially access protected user data by exploiting a path handling issue. This means that an app could traverse or manipulate file paths to access files or data it should not normally have permission to read. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and affects confidentiality (C:H) but does not impact integrity or availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have some level of access on the device, such as installing a malicious or compromised app. The vulnerability has been addressed in iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6 through improved validation of file paths to prevent unauthorized access. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. The vulnerability’s CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level due to the requirement for local privileges and the absence of user interaction. This flaw could be leveraged by attackers to extract sensitive user data from devices, potentially leading to privacy breaches or further targeted attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering techniques.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of sensitive user data stored on Apple mobile devices. Organizations with employees using iPhones or iPads for work-related activities could see exposure of personal or corporate data if a malicious app exploits this flaw. This could lead to data leakage, privacy violations, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal data is compromised. While the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the unauthorized data access could facilitate espionage, identity theft, or targeted phishing attacks. The impact is more pronounced in sectors with high mobile device usage such as finance, healthcare, and government. Since exploitation requires local app installation, the risk is mitigated by strict app store controls and enterprise mobile management policies, but insider threats or supply chain compromises remain concerns. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance and patching.

1. Immediately deploy the security updates provided by Apple for iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6 across all managed devices. 2. Enforce strict application vetting and restrict installation of apps to trusted sources, preferably through enterprise app stores or Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. 3. Implement robust endpoint protection and monitoring to detect anomalous app behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of timely updates. 5. Use device management policies to limit app permissions and sandboxing to reduce the potential impact of malicious apps. 6. Regularly audit installed applications and remove any that are unnecessary or suspicious. 7. For highly sensitive environments, consider additional data encryption and access controls at the application level to minimize data exposure even if the OS is compromised.