CVE-2024-40846 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS where processing a maliciously crafted video file can lead to unexpected application termination due to improper memory handling. The root cause relates to a memory management flaw that can be triggered when the system or an application processes specially crafted video content, potentially causing a crash or denial of service. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14.7 and Sequoia 15, where the issue has been addressed with improved memory handling. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction required (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), suggesting that exploitation could lead to significant compromise of system security and stability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a risk especially in environments where users frequently open video files from untrusted sources. The CWE-79 tag indicates a cross-site scripting related weakness, which may be a classification artifact or related to memory corruption leading to code execution or data leakage. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for applications and services that handle multimedia content on macOS platforms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can disrupt business operations by causing application crashes or system instability when malicious video files are processed. This can lead to denial of service conditions affecting productivity, especially in sectors such as media, creative industries, and any environment where macOS is prevalent. The high impact on confidentiality and integrity suggests that exploitation could potentially be leveraged for further attacks, including unauthorized data access or code execution, although this is not explicitly confirmed. Organizations handling sensitive data on macOS systems are at risk of data exposure or corruption. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver the malicious video files, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits targeting this vulnerability. Failure to patch could lead to targeted attacks against European enterprises, especially those with high macOS usage and valuable intellectual property.

European organizations should immediately update all macOS devices to version Sonoma 14.7 or Sequoia 15 to apply the official patch addressing this vulnerability. Restrict the opening and processing of video files from untrusted or unknown sources, implementing strict email and file filtering policies to block suspicious multimedia content. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring abnormal application behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected app terminations or memory anomalies. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited video files and implement user awareness training focused on social engineering tactics. For environments with high multimedia usage, consider sandboxing or isolating applications that process video files to limit the impact of potential crashes. Regularly review and audit macOS systems for signs of compromise or instability related to this vulnerability. Finally, maintain an inventory of macOS devices to ensure timely patch management and compliance with security policies.