CVE-2024-40812 is a logic vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and watchOS platforms that allows a shortcut to bypass the Internet permission requirements. Normally, shortcuts on Apple devices require explicit Internet access permissions to prevent unauthorized network communications. However, due to a flaw in the permission logic, a crafted shortcut can circumvent these checks and access the Internet without user consent or proper authorization. This vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS versions prior to 16.7.9 and 17.6, iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.9 and 17.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, visionOS 1.3, and watchOS 10.6. The issue is categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating that the root cause is insufficient enforcement of access permissions. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8 (high), reflecting that the attack vector is local (AV:L), requires low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all high). Exploiting this vulnerability could allow malicious shortcuts to perform unauthorized network communications, potentially leading to data exfiltration, command and control communications, or other malicious activities without triggering normal permission prompts. Apple has fixed this issue by implementing improved permission checks in the specified OS versions. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date, but the vulnerability’s nature makes it a significant risk for users and organizations relying on Apple devices.

The vulnerability allows unauthorized network access by shortcuts, which can lead to serious impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. Attackers with local access and low privileges can exploit this flaw to bypass user consent mechanisms, potentially exfiltrating sensitive information or communicating with malicious servers. This undermines the security model of Apple’s permission system, increasing the risk of malware persistence and covert data leakage. Organizations relying on Apple devices for sensitive communications or operations could face data breaches, espionage, or disruption of services. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once a device is compromised or a malicious shortcut is installed. Although no known exploits are currently active, the vulnerability’s high CVSS score and broad OS coverage make it a critical concern for enterprise and personal users alike.

Organizations and users should immediately update affected Apple devices to the patched versions: iOS 16.7.9 or 17.6, iPadOS 16.7.9 or 17.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, visionOS 1.3, and watchOS 10.6. Beyond patching, administrators should audit and restrict the use of shortcuts, especially those obtained from untrusted sources. Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to control shortcut permissions and monitor network activities initiated by shortcuts. Educate users about the risks of installing shortcuts from unknown origins and enforce strict app and shortcut vetting processes. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can help detect anomalous traffic originating from Apple devices. Regularly review device configurations and permissions to ensure compliance with security policies. Finally, maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to respond quickly if exploitation attempts emerge.