CVE-2024-40833 is a logic vulnerability in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, also affecting macOS versions, that allows a shortcut—a user-configured automation script—to access sensitive data without triggering the usual user consent prompts. This flaw arises from insufficient checks in the shortcut execution logic, permitting certain shortcut actions to bypass security dialogs that normally protect sensitive information. The vulnerability impacts multiple Apple operating system versions, including iOS 16.x, iPadOS 16.x, macOS Sonoma 14.x, Monterey 12.x, and Ventura 13.x prior to their respective patched releases. The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have local access to the device or trick the user into running a malicious shortcut. No privileges or user interaction are required once the shortcut is executed, which increases the risk of silent data leakage. The vulnerability primarily compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive data without user awareness, but it does not affect data integrity or system availability. Apple addressed the issue by improving the logic checks that enforce user prompts, releasing patches in July 2024. There are no known public exploits or active exploitation campaigns at this time, but the medium CVSS score of 6.2 reflects the potential risk if exploited. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with automation features that can be abused to circumvent security controls if not properly validated.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a confidentiality risk on Apple devices used within corporate or personal environments. Sensitive data such as passwords, tokens, personal information, or corporate secrets could be accessed silently by malicious shortcuts. This could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or exposure of personally identifiable information (PII), potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The local attack vector limits remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering attacks could leverage this flaw. Organizations relying heavily on Apple ecosystems for mobile productivity, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, may face increased risk. The absence of user prompts means users may remain unaware of data exposure, complicating detection and response. While the vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach alone can have significant reputational and regulatory consequences for European entities.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for iOS 16.7.9, iPadOS 16.7.9, macOS Sonoma 14.6, Monterey 12.7.6, and Ventura 13.6.8 to all affected devices. 2. Restrict the use of shortcuts to trusted sources only; disable or limit the ability to run shortcuts from unverified or unknown developers. 3. Educate users about the risks of running shortcuts and encourage scrutiny of any automation scripts before execution. 4. Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies that control shortcut permissions and monitor shortcut usage logs for suspicious activity. 5. Enforce strong local device access controls to prevent unauthorized physical or remote access to devices. 6. Regularly audit and review installed shortcuts and automation workflows to detect potentially malicious or unauthorized shortcuts. 7. Integrate endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual shortcut behavior or data access patterns on Apple devices. 8. Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for addressing potential data leaks from automation features.