CVE-2024-44166 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems, specifically impacting versions before Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, and Sequoia 15. The root cause lies in insufficient redaction of sensitive user data within system log entries, which could be accessed by applications with limited privileges. This vulnerability falls under CWE-532, indicating exposure of sensitive information through logs. An attacker with local access and limited privileges (PR:L) can exploit this issue without requiring user interaction (UI:N), potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data logged by the system. The vulnerability affects confidentiality (C:H) but does not impact integrity or availability. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level due to the requirement for local access and limited privileges, which reduces the attack surface. Apple has mitigated this vulnerability by enhancing private data redaction in log entries in the specified macOS versions. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and the risks posed by improper handling of sensitive information in system logs.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44166 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data through improperly redacted logs. This can lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage if sensitive information is exposed. Organizations relying on macOS devices for critical operations or handling sensitive data are at risk of internal data leakage, especially if attackers gain local access to endpoints. While the vulnerability does not allow remote exploitation or affect system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach could facilitate further attacks or insider threats. The medium severity and local access requirement mean the threat is more relevant in environments where endpoint security is weak or where attackers have physical or remote local access. European companies in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology, which often use macOS devices, should be particularly vigilant.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Prioritize updating all macOS devices to versions Ventura 13.7, Sonoma 14.7, or Sequoia 15 or later to apply the patch that improves log data redaction. 2) Restrict local access to macOS endpoints by enforcing strict access controls, including strong authentication and endpoint security measures to prevent unauthorized local log access. 3) Audit and monitor log access and usage on macOS systems to detect any unusual or unauthorized attempts to read sensitive log data. 4) Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious local activities that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. 5) Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege misuse and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 6) Review logging configurations to minimize sensitive data exposure and ensure logs are stored securely with appropriate permissions.