CVE-2024-40850 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and other Apple operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability arises from a file access issue caused by insufficient input validation, which could allow a local application with limited privileges (PR:L) to access sensitive user data without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions including macOS Ventura 13.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7, iOS 17.7 and later, among others. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have local access to the device, but the attack complexity is low (AC:L), and no user interaction is needed. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. Apple has addressed this issue by improving input validation mechanisms in the affected OS versions, thereby preventing unauthorized file access by apps. No public exploits have been reported, and the vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information). This vulnerability highlights the risk posed by malicious or compromised applications running on Apple devices that could potentially access sensitive user data due to improper input validation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality of sensitive data stored or processed on Apple devices. Since exploitation requires local access with low privileges, the threat is significant in environments where endpoint security is weak or where users may install untrusted applications. Exposure of sensitive data could lead to privacy violations, intellectual property theft, or leakage of confidential business information. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on Apple hardware and software could face regulatory and reputational damage if sensitive data is compromised. The lack of impact on integrity and availability reduces the risk of system disruption but does not diminish the importance of protecting sensitive information. The vulnerability’s medium severity and absence of known exploits suggest a moderate but actionable risk, especially in organizations with high Apple device usage and less stringent local access controls.

1. Immediately apply the latest Apple OS updates that address CVE-2024-40850, including macOS Ventura 13.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7, iOS 17.7 and later versions. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, limiting app installations to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions. 3. Implement endpoint security solutions that monitor and restrict local application behavior to detect and prevent unauthorized file access attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of installing unverified applications and the importance of keeping devices updated. 5. Use device encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) tools to protect sensitive data even if accessed by unauthorized apps. 6. Regularly audit and monitor local user accounts and permissions to minimize the risk of privilege escalation or unauthorized local access. 7. For high-risk environments, consider restricting physical access to devices and enforcing multi-factor authentication for local logins where possible.