CVE-2024-40848 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows attackers to read sensitive information due to a downgrade issue related to code-signing enforcement. The vulnerability arises because the system could be tricked into accepting older, less secure code signatures, thereby bypassing protections designed to prevent unauthorized code execution or data access. Apple addressed this by implementing additional code-signing restrictions in macOS Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, and Sequoia 15, which prevent the acceptance of downgraded or improperly signed code. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any privileges or user interaction, making it a significant risk for data confidentiality. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) indicates that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely with low complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction, resulting in a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild yet, but the ease of exploitation and the potential for sensitive data exposure make this a critical issue for macOS users. The affected versions are unspecified but are prior to the patched releases mentioned. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where sensitive information is handled on macOS devices, including enterprise and government sectors.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-40848 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored or processed on vulnerable macOS systems. This could include intellectual property, personal data protected under GDPR, or confidential business information. The lack of required privileges or user interaction lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation, especially in remote work scenarios where devices may be exposed to untrusted networks. Data breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on macOS devices for sensitive operations are particularly vulnerable. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability directly, but the confidentiality breach alone can have severe consequences under European data protection laws. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency of patching.

European organizations should immediately update all macOS devices to the fixed versions: Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, or Sequoia 15. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict code-signing policies via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to prevent execution of downgraded or unsigned code. Network segmentation and limiting exposure of macOS devices to untrusted networks can reduce exploitation risk. Implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools with behavioral analytics may help detect anomalous access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular audits of macOS systems for compliance with security baselines and code-signing enforcement should be conducted. Additionally, organizations should review and tighten access controls on sensitive data to minimize the impact if a breach occurs. User education on the importance of timely updates and recognizing suspicious activity remains important, even though user interaction is not required for this exploit. Finally, monitoring threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits related to CVE-2024-40848 will help maintain situational awareness.