CVE-2024-40844 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and related operating systems including iOS and iPadOS. The root cause is related to the improper handling of temporary files created or used by the Shortcuts app, which allows a malicious application with limited privileges (local access and low user privileges) to observe data displayed to the user by Shortcuts. This exposure could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information that the user interacts with or views through Shortcuts workflows. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to be exploited, increasing its risk profile, but it does require the attacker to have local access and limited privileges, which somewhat limits remote exploitation. Apple addressed this issue in macOS Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, and iOS/iPadOS 17.7 by improving the handling of temporary files to prevent unauthorized observation. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the local attack vector, low complexity, required privileges, no user interaction, and high confidentiality impact but no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, but the vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers who manage to install malicious apps on affected devices to spy on user data processed by Shortcuts. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with inter-process data leakage through temporary files and the importance of secure file handling in OS components that interact with user data.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-40844 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data processed or displayed via the Shortcuts app on Apple devices. This could include confidential business information, personally identifiable information (PII), or other sensitive data that users automate or access through Shortcuts workflows. Since the vulnerability requires local access and limited privileges, the risk is higher in environments where endpoint security is weak or where users might inadvertently install malicious applications. The confidentiality breach could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. However, the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability, limiting the scope of damage to information disclosure only. Organizations with a large number of Apple device users, especially those using Shortcuts for business automation or sensitive workflows, are at greater risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future targeted attacks. This vulnerability underscores the need for strict app installation policies and endpoint security controls in European enterprises and public sector organizations.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for macOS Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, and iOS/iPadOS 17.7 to all affected devices to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies restricting users from installing untrusted or unsigned apps, minimizing the risk of malicious apps gaining local access. 3. Implement endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local app behavior or unauthorized file access attempts related to Shortcuts or temporary files. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from unofficial sources and encourage vigilance regarding app permissions and behaviors. 5. Monitor device logs for unusual access patterns to Shortcuts or temporary files that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. For organizations using Shortcuts for sensitive workflows, consider additional data handling safeguards or alternative automation tools until patches are applied. 7. Regularly audit and update device management policies to ensure timely deployment of OS updates and security patches across all Apple devices in the environment.