CVE-2024-44125 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows a malicious application to leak sensitive user information. The root cause relates to insufficient validation or checks within the operating system that a malicious app can exploit to access data it should not be able to retrieve. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as the user running or interacting with the malicious app. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the system, typically by convincing the user to install or execute the malicious application. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. Apple addressed this issue by implementing improved checks in macOS Sonoma 14.7 and macOS Sequoia 15, which prevent unauthorized data leakage. The affected versions are unspecified but presumably include all versions prior to these updates. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, reducing immediate risk but not eliminating it. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. This vulnerability is significant because it could allow attackers to access sensitive user information, potentially including personal data, credentials, or other confidential content stored or accessible on the device. Given macOS’s widespread use in professional and personal environments, the risk extends to any organization or individual relying on Apple devices. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits the attack scope but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may install untrusted software or fall victim to social engineering.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44125 is the potential leakage of sensitive user information, which could include personal data, intellectual property, or credentials. This could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, it is less likely to cause operational disruptions but could facilitate further attacks if leaked information is leveraged. Organizations with employees using macOS devices, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, legal, and technology, are at higher risk. The requirement for user interaction means that phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to exploit this vulnerability. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation. European entities must consider this vulnerability in their endpoint security posture, particularly in hybrid work environments where device control is more challenging.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement strict application control policies using Apple’s built-in tools such as Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection to prevent installation of untrusted or unsigned applications. 3. Educate users about the risks of installing unknown applications and the importance of verifying software sources to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious local application behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Regularly audit macOS devices for compliance with security policies and patch levels. 6. Use network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of any compromised device. 7. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit activity related to CVE-2024-44125 to respond promptly if attacks arise.