CVE-2024-44154 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that stems from a memory initialization issue during the processing of specially crafted files. This flaw is categorized under CWE-400, which relates to uncontrolled resource consumption or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability allows an attacker to cause an application to terminate unexpectedly by supplying a maliciously crafted file, leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), no impact on confidentiality or integrity (C:N/I:N), and high impact on availability (A:H). The issue was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling and initialization in macOS Sonoma 14.7 and macOS Sequoia 15. The vulnerability does not allow code execution or data leakage but can disrupt availability by crashing applications processing malicious files. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access and to trick a user into opening or processing a malicious file, which limits remote exploitation but still poses a risk in environments where untrusted files are handled.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44154 is the potential for denial of service through unexpected application termination. This can disrupt business operations, especially in environments where macOS systems are used for critical tasks or where file processing is frequent and automated. Although the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, availability interruptions can affect productivity and service reliability. Sectors such as finance, media, creative industries, and government agencies that rely on macOS devices for daily operations may experience operational delays or interruptions if targeted. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or remote workforces using vulnerable macOS versions could face increased exposure. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity score indicates that timely patching is important to prevent potential exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-44154, European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, or later versions where the vulnerability is fixed. Implement strict controls on file sources by restricting the opening or processing of files from untrusted or unknown origins, especially in environments where users have elevated privileges. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous application crashes or suspicious file handling behaviors. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files and enforce policies requiring verification before processing files from external sources. For environments with automated file processing, incorporate validation and sandboxing techniques to isolate potentially malicious files. Regularly audit and inventory macOS systems to ensure compliance with patch management policies. Additionally, monitor application logs for unexpected terminations that could indicate attempted exploitation.