CVE-2024-44126 is a heap corruption vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and other Apple operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation when processing specially crafted files, which can corrupt heap memory structures. Heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service by crashing affected processes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that the flaw involves writing data outside the allocated heap buffer boundaries. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the potential for complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring local access but no privileges (PR:N), and user interaction (UI:R) is necessary to trigger the vulnerability, such as opening or processing a malicious file. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. Apple has released patches in multiple OS versions including macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, iOS 17.7, iPadOS 17.7, visionOS 2, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18, which implement improved input validation to prevent heap corruption. No known exploits have been reported in the wild at the time of publication, but the nature of the vulnerability and its high severity score suggest that exploitation could lead to significant security breaches if left unpatched.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for those relying heavily on Apple devices in their IT infrastructure, including macOS desktops and laptops, as well as iOS and iPadOS devices. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or disruption of critical services. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation, but social engineering or delivery of malicious files via email, USB devices, or network shares could facilitate attacks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that use Apple devices extensively could face operational disruptions and data breaches. The vulnerability also threatens the integrity and availability of systems, potentially causing crashes or system instability. Given the widespread use of Apple products in Europe, unpatched systems could be targeted by attackers aiming to exploit this flaw for espionage, ransomware deployment, or other malicious activities.

European organizations should prioritize deploying the security updates released by Apple for all affected operating systems, including macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sequoia 15, macOS Sonoma 14.7, iOS 17.7, iPadOS 17.7, visionOS 2, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. Patch management processes must ensure rapid identification and remediation of vulnerable devices. Additionally, organizations should implement strict policies to control the sources of files processed on Apple devices, including disabling or restricting the opening of files from untrusted or unknown sources. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for anomalous behavior related to file processing and heap corruption indicators. Network segmentation and least privilege principles can limit the impact of a compromised device. Regular backups and incident response plans should be updated to address potential exploitation scenarios involving heap corruption vulnerabilities.