CVE-2024-27883 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems that allows an application with limited privileges to modify protected parts of the file system. The root cause is a permissions issue categorized under CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource). This flaw could enable an app to bypass intended access controls and alter files or directories that should be safeguarded by the system, potentially undermining system integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: Sonoma 14.6, Monterey 12.7.6, and Ventura 13.6.8. Exploitation requires local access with some privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N), making it feasible for malicious or compromised apps already running on the system to escalate their capabilities. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.4 (medium), reflecting limited impact on availability but moderate impact on confidentiality and integrity. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported, indicating this is a known but not yet weaponized vulnerability. Apple addressed the issue by implementing additional restrictions on file system permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where untrusted or third-party applications are installed, as it could be leveraged for persistence, tampering with security configurations, or data manipulation.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses risks primarily to the integrity and confidentiality of data on macOS systems. Attackers or malicious insiders with local access could exploit this flaw to modify protected system files or application data, potentially leading to unauthorized privilege escalation, persistence of malware, or tampering with security controls. While availability is not directly impacted, the integrity compromise could facilitate further attacks or data breaches. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, development, or sensitive data processing are at higher risk. The medium severity and requirement for local privileges limit the scope somewhat, but environments with lax app installation policies or where users have elevated permissions could be vulnerable. Given the widespread use of macOS in sectors like finance, technology, and government across Europe, the vulnerability could be leveraged for targeted attacks or espionage. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation, especially as threat actors often reverse-engineer patches to develop exploits.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS systems to the patched versions: Sonoma 14.6, Monterey 12.7.6, or Ventura 13.6.8. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unnecessary apps, reducing the attack surface. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous file system modifications and privilege escalations. Use macOS’s built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and ensure they are enabled and properly configured. Regularly audit file system permissions and monitor logs for suspicious activity related to protected directories. Educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software and enforce least privilege principles to minimize local privilege levels. For highly sensitive environments, consider application sandboxing and restricting developer or admin access to reduce the likelihood of exploitation. Finally, maintain an incident response plan that includes macOS-specific scenarios to quickly address any exploitation attempts.