CVE-2024-44133 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that specifically impacts devices managed through Mobile Device Management (MDM) frameworks. The flaw allows an application running with limited privileges on an MDM-managed device to bypass certain Privacy preferences configured by the user or administrator. Privacy preferences in macOS control access to sensitive data and system capabilities, such as location services, camera, microphone, and other protected resources. By bypassing these controls, a malicious or compromised app could alter privacy settings or gain unauthorized access to protected resources, undermining user privacy and organizational security policies. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require local access with low privileges, meaning an attacker or malicious app must already have some presence on the device. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in macOS Sequoia 15 through the removal of the vulnerable code responsible for this bypass. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the limited attack vector (local), low complexity, and the impact primarily on integrity without affecting confidentiality or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for misuse exists, especially in environments where MDM is used to enforce strict privacy controls. Organizations relying on macOS devices managed via MDM should be aware of this vulnerability and apply updates promptly to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the integrity of privacy controls on MDM-managed macOS devices. Attackers or malicious insiders with local access could exploit this flaw to bypass privacy restrictions, potentially accessing or modifying sensitive user data or system settings that are supposed to be protected. This could lead to unauthorized data collection, surveillance, or interference with compliance-related privacy configurations, impacting GDPR compliance and user trust. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability, the ability to alter privacy settings can facilitate further attacks or data leakage. Organizations with large deployments of Apple devices managed via MDM, especially in sectors handling sensitive personal or corporate data (e.g., finance, healthcare, government), are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the need for proactive mitigation.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading to macOS Sequoia 15 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Until patching is possible, organizations should: 1) Restrict local access to macOS devices, enforcing strict endpoint security controls and limiting installation of untrusted applications. 2) Review and tighten MDM policies to minimize the attack surface, including restricting app installation and enforcing least privilege principles. 3) Monitor device logs and privacy preference changes for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to privacy settings manipulation. 6) Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories to stay informed about updates and additional mitigations.