CVE-2024-40832 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application with limited privileges to view a contact's phone number by accessing system logs. The root cause is insufficient validation and access control mechanisms around logging sensitive contact information, which led to leakage of personally identifiable information (PII) through logs accessible to apps. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-922, which relates to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer or resource, here manifesting as improper access control to sensitive log data. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patch release. Exploitation requires local access with limited privileges but does not require user interaction, making it a potential privacy concern but with limited attack surface. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality only, with no effect on integrity or availability of the system. Apple resolved this issue in macOS Sonoma 14.6 by implementing improved checks to prevent unauthorized access to contact information in system logs. No public exploits have been reported, and the CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to limited impact and exploitation complexity.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-40832 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of contact phone numbers through system logs accessible by local applications. This could lead to privacy violations and could be leveraged in targeted social engineering or phishing attacks if an attacker gains local access. While the vulnerability does not allow remote exploitation or system compromise, it poses a risk to confidentiality of sensitive personal data, which is subject to strict regulation under GDPR. Organizations handling sensitive customer or employee contact information on macOS devices may face compliance risks if such data is exposed. The impact on operational integrity and availability is negligible, but the reputational and legal consequences of data leakage could be significant, especially for sectors like finance, healthcare, and government agencies in Europe. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to maintain data privacy standards.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading all macOS systems to version Sonoma 14.6 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Additionally, organizations should audit and restrict app permissions rigorously, ensuring that only trusted applications have access to system logs or contact data. Employing endpoint security solutions that monitor and control application behavior can help detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive logs. Regularly reviewing system logs for unusual access patterns can also help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should enforce strict local user access controls to minimize the risk of unprivileged users or malicious insiders exploiting this vulnerability. Finally, educating users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and maintaining a robust patch management policy will reduce exposure.