CVE-2024-40835 is a logic vulnerability in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS platforms that allows a shortcut—a user-created or pre-defined automation script—to access sensitive data without triggering the usual user consent prompts. This flaw arises from insufficient validation in the shortcut execution logic, permitting certain shortcut actions to bypass security checks designed to protect sensitive information. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS versions prior to 16.7.9, iPadOS prior to 16.7.9, macOS Monterey 12.7.6 and earlier, macOS Ventura 13.6.8 and earlier, macOS Sonoma 14.6 and earlier, and watchOS 10.6 and earlier. Exploitation requires local access with limited privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N), making it possible for an attacker with some level of access to silently extract sensitive data. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the attack vector as local, low complexity, and requiring privileges but no user interaction, with high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. Apple has fixed this issue by implementing improved checks in the affected OS versions. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported, but the vulnerability poses a risk to user privacy and data confidentiality, especially in environments where shortcuts are widely used for automation. The flaw underscores the importance of rigorous validation in automation frameworks that handle sensitive data.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-40835 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data on Apple devices. Since shortcuts can be crafted or manipulated to bypass user prompts, attackers with local access and limited privileges could silently extract confidential information without alerting the user. This compromises data confidentiality and could lead to privacy violations, data leakage, or further targeted attacks leveraging the exposed information. The vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability, but the silent nature of the exploit increases the risk of unnoticed data compromise. Organizations relying heavily on Apple devices for sensitive communications or data processing—such as enterprises, government agencies, and healthcare providers—face increased risk of data breaches. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or malware with local foothold could leverage this vulnerability. The lack of user interaction needed for exploitation further raises the risk of stealthy data exfiltration. Overall, the vulnerability could undermine trust in Apple’s automation features and impact compliance with data protection regulations if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-40835, organizations and users should promptly apply the security updates released by Apple: iOS and iPadOS 16.7.9 and later, macOS Monterey 12.7.6 and later, macOS Ventura 13.6.8 and later, macOS Sonoma 14.6 and later, and watchOS 10.6 and later. Beyond patching, organizations should audit and restrict the use of shortcuts, especially those sourced from untrusted parties or that request access to sensitive data. Implement strict device access controls to limit local privilege escalation and unauthorized local access, including enforcing strong authentication and endpoint protection. Educate users about the risks of installing or running unverified shortcuts. Monitor device logs for unusual shortcut activity or data access patterns. Where possible, disable or limit shortcut automation features in high-security environments. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce update policies and control shortcut permissions centrally. Regularly review and update security policies related to automation and scripting on Apple devices to reduce attack surface.