CVE-2024-44130 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows applications running with root privileges to potentially access private information improperly. The root cause stems from insufficient data protection mechanisms within the OS that fail to adequately isolate sensitive data from privileged applications. This vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require that the attacker already has root-level access on the system, which limits the attack vector to local or privileged insiders or malware that has escalated privileges. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to the release of macOS Sequoia 15, where Apple has implemented improved data protection controls to mitigate this issue. The CVSS v3.1 score is 4.4 (medium severity), reflecting the fact that while confidentiality can be compromised, integrity and availability are not impacted. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), and requires high privileges (PR:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited active exploitation at this time. The vulnerability highlights the risk posed by applications with excessive privileges and the importance of strict privilege management and OS-level protections to safeguard sensitive data.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44130 is the potential exposure of sensitive or private information on macOS systems where applications run with root privileges. This could include intellectual property, personal data, or confidential business information. Since the vulnerability requires root access, the risk is heightened in environments where privilege escalation is possible or where trusted applications have excessive permissions. The confidentiality breach could lead to compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is involved. However, the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. Organizations relying heavily on macOS for critical workflows, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, may face increased risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the need for proactive mitigation. Attackers with local access or insider threats could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data, making it a concern for internal security controls and endpoint protection strategies.

1. Upgrade all macOS systems to macOS Sequoia 15 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed with improved data protection. 2. Conduct a thorough audit of applications and services running with root privileges to ensure that only necessary processes have such access, minimizing the attack surface. 3. Implement strict privilege management policies, including the principle of least privilege, to reduce the number of applications and users with root-level access. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual behavior indicative of privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. 5. Regularly review and update security configurations and access controls on macOS devices, especially in environments with sensitive data. 6. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of running untrusted applications with elevated privileges. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly respond to any potential data breaches. 8. Monitor security advisories from Apple and apply patches promptly to mitigate emerging threats.