CVE-2024-40859 is a permissions-related vulnerability in Apple macOS, fixed in the macOS Sequoia 15 update. The issue arises from insufficient restrictions on app permissions, allowing an application with low privileges (local access and low complexity) to access sensitive user data without requiring user interaction. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-281, indicating improper access control. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, meaning the attack requires local access with low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality but not integrity or availability. While no specific affected versions are listed, it is implied that all macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15 are vulnerable. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at present. The vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious local applications or attackers who gain limited access to a macOS system to extract sensitive user data, potentially including personal files, credentials, or other confidential information. This flaw highlights the importance of strict permission enforcement in operating systems to prevent unauthorized data access.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations relying on macOS endpoints for business operations, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., financial, healthcare, legal sectors), could face data leakage risks if devices remain unpatched. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, unauthorized access to sensitive data could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), reputational damage, and potential financial losses. Since exploitation requires local access with low privileges, the threat is more significant in environments where endpoint security is weak or where insider threats exist. Remote exploitation is not possible, limiting the attack surface primarily to compromised or physically accessed devices. Organizations with a high number of macOS users should be particularly vigilant.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Conduct an audit of installed applications and their permissions to identify and restrict apps that do not require access to sensitive data. 3. Implement strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and least privilege principles, to reduce the risk of malicious or unauthorized apps running. 4. Monitor local user activities and system logs for unusual access patterns to sensitive data. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. 6. Employ device management solutions (MDM) to enforce security policies and automate patch deployment across macOS fleets. 7. Regularly review and update security configurations to align with best practices for macOS security.