CVE-2024-40852 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems related to the Assistive Access feature, which is designed to help users with disabilities by providing simplified device interaction. The flaw allows an attacker to bypass authentication controls on a locked device and access recent photos without requiring any user interaction or privileges. This is due to improper access control checks within the Assistive Access functionality, classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization). The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, where Apple has implemented restrictions on the options available when the device is locked to mitigate unauthorized access. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a high severity primarily due to the confidentiality impact (unauthorized disclosure of photos), with no impact on integrity or availability. The attack vector is network-based with no privileges or user interaction required, making exploitation relatively straightforward if physical access or proximity is possible. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the potential for privacy violations is significant given the sensitive nature of personal photos. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access controls in assistive technologies and locked device states.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-40852 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal or corporate images stored on employee iOS/iPadOS devices. This could lead to privacy breaches, reputational damage, and non-compliance with stringent European data protection regulations such as GDPR. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those issuing Apple devices to employees are at risk of data leakage if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by malicious actors exploiting this vulnerability. The confidentiality breach could expose sensitive corporate information or personally identifiable information (PII), impacting trust and potentially resulting in regulatory fines. However, since the vulnerability does not affect device integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. The lack of required user interaction and low attack complexity increases the risk, especially in environments where physical device security is weak. Overall, the vulnerability poses a significant privacy risk that European organizations must address promptly.

1. Update all Apple iOS and iPadOS devices to version 18 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed by restricting Assistive Access options on locked devices. 2. Enforce strict device security policies, including strong passcodes, biometric authentication, and automatic device locking to minimize unauthorized physical access. 3. Disable or limit the use of Assistive Access on devices where it is not required, reducing the attack surface. 4. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security configurations and monitor device compliance. 5. Educate employees about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices immediately. 6. Regularly audit and review device access logs to detect any suspicious activity related to Assistive Access features. 7. Consider encrypting sensitive photos or using secure containers for corporate media to add an additional layer of protection.