CVE-2024-44137 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an attacker with physical access to a locked device to share items from the lock screen without requiring authentication. The root cause is an authorization bypass (CWE-863) due to insufficient checks on sharing functionality when the device is locked. This flaw enables unauthorized disclosure of potentially sensitive information accessible via sharing features, compromising confidentiality. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched releases: Ventura 13.7.1, Sequoia 15, and Sonoma 14.7.1. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.6, reflecting that the attack vector requires physical access (AV:P), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited active exploitation. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on October 28, 2024, and addressed by Apple through improved authorization checks preventing unauthorized sharing from the lock screen. This vulnerability is significant in environments where devices may be left unattended or physically accessible to adversaries, as it allows data leakage without unlocking the device or user consent.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44137 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from macOS devices when an attacker gains physical access. This risk is particularly critical for sectors handling confidential data such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, the confidentiality breach could lead to data leaks, intellectual property exposure, or privacy violations, potentially resulting in regulatory penalties under GDPR and reputational damage. Organizations with a mobile or remote workforce using macOS devices are at heightened risk if physical device security is lax. Since exploitation requires physical access but no authentication or user interaction, the threat is realistic in scenarios involving theft, loss, or unauthorized physical access within offices or public spaces. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation and physical security enhancements.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for macOS Ventura 13.7.1, Sequoia 15, and Sonoma 14.7.1 to all affected devices. 2. Enforce strict physical security policies to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, access controls, and surveillance in sensitive areas. 3. Educate employees on the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of locking screens when not in use. 4. Implement endpoint management solutions to monitor device compliance and enforce update policies. 5. Consider disabling or restricting sharing features accessible from the lock screen via configuration profiles or MDM solutions if feasible. 6. Regularly audit device security posture and conduct physical security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities. 7. For high-risk environments, consider additional authentication mechanisms or hardware-based security features to limit unauthorized access. 8. Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for potential data leakage due to physical device compromise.