CVE-2024-40812 is a logic vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as related operating systems including macOS Ventura, Monterey, Sonoma, watchOS, and visionOS. The flaw allows a crafted shortcut—a user-created automation script within Apple's Shortcuts app—to bypass the intended Internet permission checks. Normally, shortcuts that require Internet access must obtain explicit user permission to prevent unauthorized network communications. However, due to this logic issue, a malicious shortcut can circumvent these restrictions and initiate network connections without user consent. This bypass undermines the security model designed to protect user privacy and device integrity. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 (high severity), reflecting its potential to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation requires local privileges (AV:L - adjacent or local access), low attack complexity, and low privileges (PR:L), but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. Apple has addressed this issue in updates starting with iOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6, and corresponding versions of other affected OSes. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), highlighting a failure in enforcing correct permission checks. This flaw could allow attackers to exfiltrate data, communicate with command and control servers, or perform other malicious network activities stealthily via shortcuts.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially where Apple devices are used for sensitive communications or critical business functions. Unauthorized network access via shortcuts can lead to data leakage, unauthorized command execution, or lateral movement within networks. Confidential information could be exfiltrated without detection, and the integrity of device operations could be compromised. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government across Europe, the impact could extend to regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations) and operational disruptions. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once a malicious shortcut is installed, increasing the threat surface. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability warrant proactive mitigation. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems must consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and incident response planning.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for iOS 16.7.9, iOS 17.6, iPadOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 17.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, watchOS 10.6, and visionOS 1.3. 2. Restrict the installation and execution of shortcuts to those from trusted sources only, using Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies where possible. 3. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified shortcuts and encourage scrutiny of shortcut permissions before installation. 4. Monitor network traffic from Apple devices for unusual or unauthorized connections that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous shortcut behaviors or network activities. 6. Review and tighten device configuration policies to limit local privilege escalation opportunities that could facilitate shortcut installation. 7. Maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure they are enrolled in centralized update management to enforce timely patching. 8. For high-risk environments, consider disabling the Shortcuts app or restricting its use until patches are applied.