CVE-2024-40841 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS involving an out-of-bounds write condition caused by improper bounds checking when processing video files. This flaw can be triggered by a maliciously crafted video file, leading to unexpected termination of the affected application. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in macOS Sonoma 14.7 and macOS Sequoia 15 through improved bounds checking mechanisms. The underlying issue relates to CWE-400, which generally pertains to resource exhaustion or improper resource management, but here it manifests as an out-of-bounds write, a memory corruption flaw. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 indicates a high severity, with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Exploiting this vulnerability requires a user to open a malicious video file, which could be delivered via email, downloads, or removable media. While no active exploits have been reported, the potential for denial of service or further exploitation through memory corruption exists. The vulnerability affects unspecified macOS versions prior to the patched releases, implying that all users not updated to Sonoma 14.7 or Sequoia 15 remain vulnerable. This vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt critical applications or potentially escalate to more severe attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-40841 can be significant, especially those relying on Apple macOS devices for business-critical operations. The vulnerability can lead to unexpected application crashes, causing denial of service conditions that disrupt workflows and productivity. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact ratings, there is a risk that exploitation could lead to unauthorized data exposure or manipulation if attackers chain this vulnerability with others. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use macOS devices and handle sensitive data, could face operational disruptions and data breaches. Additionally, organizations involved in media production or digital content management, where video files are frequently handled, are at increased risk of encountering malicious files. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver the malicious payload, increasing the threat surface. Although no known exploits are currently active, the presence of a high-severity vulnerability in widely used operating systems necessitates urgent attention to prevent potential targeted attacks or widespread exploitation in the future.

1. Immediate patching: Organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to at least macOS Sonoma 14.7 or Sequoia 15, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Restrict media file sources: Implement policies to restrict opening video files from untrusted or unknown sources, including email attachments, downloads, and removable media. 3. User awareness training: Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious video files and encourage verification before opening. 4. Application whitelisting: Use application control to limit which applications can process video files, reducing the attack surface. 5. Network segmentation: Isolate critical macOS systems to limit the spread or impact of potential exploitation. 6. Monitor logs and behavior: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect abnormal application crashes or suspicious activity related to media processing. 7. Disable automatic media previews: Where possible, disable automatic video previews in mail clients or file browsers to prevent inadvertent triggering of the vulnerability. 8. Incident response readiness: Prepare to respond to potential exploitation attempts by having forensic and remediation procedures in place.