CVE-2024-40837 is a permissions vulnerability in Apple macOS identified in 2024, fixed in the latest macOS Sequoia 15 release. The vulnerability arises from insufficient restrictions on app permissions, allowing an application with low privileges (local access) to access protected user data without requiring user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) indicates that the attack vector is local, with low attack complexity, requiring low privileges but no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality with high severity. The vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability. Although the affected versions are unspecified, it is implied that all macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15 are vulnerable. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation currently. The root cause is a permissions misconfiguration or insufficient enforcement of access controls on sensitive user data, which could lead to unauthorized data disclosure if exploited. Apple addressed the issue by implementing additional restrictions in the latest OS update. This vulnerability is significant for environments where macOS devices are used, especially in enterprise or government settings where sensitive data is stored. Attackers with local access could leverage this flaw to exfiltrate protected information, potentially leading to privacy violations or data breaches. The lack of required user interaction simplifies exploitation once local access is obtained, increasing risk in multi-user or shared device scenarios.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations with macOS endpoints that handle confidential or regulated data (e.g., personal data under GDPR, intellectual property, or government information) could face data breaches impacting privacy and compliance. The confidentiality impact is high, as protected user data could be accessed without authorization. However, the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, limiting the scope to data exposure. The requirement for local access and low privileges means attackers must already have some foothold on the device, such as through physical access, compromised user accounts, or malware presence. This elevates the risk in environments with shared devices, remote work setups, or where endpoint security is weak. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. European organizations should consider the potential reputational damage, regulatory fines, and operational disruptions from data leaks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of strict endpoint security and timely patch management in macOS environments.

1. Immediately upgrade all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Conduct an inventory of all macOS endpoints and verify patch status to ensure no devices remain vulnerable. 3. Restrict local user privileges and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the risk of local exploitation. 4. Audit installed applications and their permissions, removing or restricting apps that request unnecessary access to protected user data. 5. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring suspicious local access attempts or privilege escalations on macOS devices. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of device security hygiene. 7. For high-security environments, consider additional controls such as disk encryption, strong authentication, and device access restrictions to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized local access. 8. Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability. 9. Review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving local data access vulnerabilities on macOS.