CVE-2024-44158 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related operating systems where a shortcut—a user-configured automation script—may inadvertently output sensitive user data without obtaining explicit user consent. The root cause lies in insufficient redaction of sensitive information during shortcut execution, allowing potentially confidential data to be exposed. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality (C:H) but not integrity or availability. The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component. The issue affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched releases: macOS Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, and iOS/iPadOS 17.7. Apple has mitigated the vulnerability by enhancing the redaction of sensitive data in shortcuts, preventing unauthorized data leakage. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability requires local access to the device, which limits remote exploitation but still poses a risk if an attacker gains physical or remote access with user privileges. This flaw could be leveraged by malicious insiders or malware to extract sensitive information without user awareness.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data on Apple devices, particularly in environments where shortcuts are used for automation or data processing. Exposure of sensitive information could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Organizations with employees using macOS or iOS devices for work-related tasks may inadvertently expose confidential business or personal data. The local access requirement reduces the risk of widespread remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from compromised endpoints. Sectors handling sensitive personal data, such as finance, healthcare, and government, are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of data leakage. The vulnerability may also impact organizations relying on Apple ecosystems for secure workflows, undermining trust in automation features. Given the medium severity and no known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate but warrants timely patching to prevent potential abuse.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the latest OS versions: macOS Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, Sequoia 15, and iOS/iPadOS 17.7 or later. Enforce strict access controls to limit local access to trusted users only. Review and audit existing shortcuts for any that handle sensitive data, ensuring they do not output or expose confidential information unnecessarily. Implement endpoint security solutions capable of detecting anomalous shortcut executions or unauthorized data exfiltration attempts. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted shortcuts and encourage the use of vetted automation scripts. Employ device management policies to restrict shortcut creation or execution where appropriate. Regularly monitor logs and alerts for suspicious activity related to shortcut usage. Finally, integrate this vulnerability into incident response plans to quickly address any suspected data exposure incidents.