CVE-2024-40845 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that arises from improper memory handling when processing specially crafted video files. This flaw can cause unexpected termination of applications that handle video playback or processing, leading to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in macOS Sonoma 14.7 and macOS Sequoia 15 through improved memory management techniques that prevent the crash. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), no impact on confidentiality or integrity (C:N/I:N), and high impact on availability (A:H). The vulnerability does not allow for code execution or data leakage but can disrupt normal application operations, potentially affecting user productivity or system stability. Exploitation requires a user to open or process a malicious video file, implying that social engineering or phishing could be used to deliver the payload. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, but the risk remains for targeted denial of service attacks. The CWE-79 tag appears to be a misclassification, as CWE-79 typically refers to Cross-Site Scripting, which is unrelated to this memory handling issue. The vulnerability primarily affects macOS systems that have not been updated to the patched versions.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-40845 is the potential for denial of service through application crashes when processing malicious video files. This can disrupt workflows, especially in sectors relying heavily on multimedia applications or video processing on macOS platforms. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, repeated crashes could lead to productivity losses and increased support costs. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using macOS devices may face increased risk if users inadvertently open malicious video files delivered via email or collaboration platforms. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity score indicates that attackers could leverage this vulnerability for targeted disruption. Critical infrastructure or service providers using macOS for operational technology or administrative tasks might experience service interruptions. The impact is mitigated somewhat by the requirement for user interaction and local access, limiting remote exploitation possibilities.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to Sonoma 14.7 or Sequoia 15 to apply the patch that resolves this vulnerability. Implement strict controls on the handling of video files from untrusted sources, including email filtering and endpoint security solutions that scan attachments for malicious content. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious video files, emphasizing cautious behavior to reduce the likelihood of exploitation. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing where possible to limit the impact of any application crashes. Monitor system logs and application stability metrics to detect unusual termination patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. For organizations with macOS fleets, use centralized management tools to enforce patch deployment and configuration policies. Consider disabling or restricting video processing applications if not essential to reduce the attack surface. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential denial of service impacts.