CVE-2024-40860 is a logic vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application with limited privileges to modify protected parts of the file system. The root cause is an insufficient validation or logic flaw in the system’s access control mechanisms, which normally prevent apps from altering critical filesystem areas. This flaw could be exploited by a local attacker or malicious app that already has some level of privilege (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14.7 and Sequoia 15, where Apple has implemented improved checks to address the issue. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), with the vector indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, no confidentiality impact, high integrity impact, and no availability impact. The primary risk is unauthorized modification of system files, which could lead to persistence mechanisms, tampering with security controls, or undermining system integrity. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability is relevant to environments where macOS is used and where local app installation or execution is possible, such as enterprise laptops or desktops. The fix requires updating to the patched macOS versions. Organizations should audit local app privileges and monitor for suspicious filesystem modifications as part of defense-in-depth.

For European organizations, the impact centers on the potential compromise of system integrity on macOS devices. Unauthorized modification of protected filesystem areas could allow attackers to implant persistent malware, alter security configurations, or disable security mechanisms, increasing the risk of further compromise. Sectors with high reliance on Apple hardware, such as creative industries, software development, finance, and government agencies, may face operational disruptions or data integrity issues. Although the vulnerability does not directly impact confidentiality or availability, the integrity breach could facilitate subsequent attacks that do. The requirement for local privileges limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or malware that gains initial foothold could leverage this flaw. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits post-disclosure. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or less controlled macOS environments are at higher risk. Overall, the vulnerability could undermine trust in macOS system security if left unpatched.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, or later versions that include the patch for CVE-2024-40860. 2. Enforce strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unnecessary apps, reducing the chance of local privilege exploitation. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring filesystem changes, especially in protected directories, to detect suspicious modifications. 4. Conduct regular audits of local user privileges and remove unnecessary elevated rights to minimize the pool of accounts that could exploit this vulnerability. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and encourage adherence to organizational security policies. 6. For managed environments, use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to enforce update compliance and restrict app permissions. 7. Monitor security advisories for any emerging exploits or additional mitigations related to this vulnerability. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised macOS endpoints. These measures go beyond generic patching by focusing on privilege management, monitoring, and user behavior controls.