CVE-2024-44172 is a privacy-related vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems, specifically versions Ventura 13.7.3, Sonoma 14.7.3, and Sequoia 15. The root cause is insufficient redaction of private data within system log entries, which could allow an application with limited privileges (local access and low privilege) to access the user's contacts without proper authorization. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-863 (Improper Authorization), indicating that the system fails to enforce correct access controls on sensitive data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting a low severity due to the requirement of local access, low complexity, and no user interaction needed. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by potentially exposing contact information but does not impact integrity or availability of the system. Apple has addressed this issue by enhancing private data redaction mechanisms in the affected macOS versions. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access control and data handling policies within operating system components, especially for sensitive personal information such as contacts.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44172 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of contact information stored on macOS devices. This could lead to privacy violations, exposure of personal or business contacts, and potential social engineering or phishing attacks leveraging the leaked contact data. While the vulnerability does not allow modification or disruption of system operations, the confidentiality breach could undermine trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Organizations with employees using macOS devices, especially in sectors handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., finance, healthcare, government), may face increased risk of data leakage. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or compromised endpoints could still leverage this vulnerability. Timely patching is essential to mitigate these risks and maintain compliance with privacy standards.

European organizations should prioritize deploying the macOS updates that address CVE-2024-44172, specifically versions Ventura 13.7.3, Sonoma 14.7.3, and Sequoia 15 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict endpoint security policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted applications, reducing the risk of local exploitation. Implementing application whitelisting and least privilege principles can help prevent unauthorized apps from accessing sensitive data. Regular auditing of system logs and monitoring for unusual access patterns to contacts or other personal data can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Additionally, educating users about the risks of installing unverified software and maintaining strong physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to devices are important. Organizations should also review and tighten macOS privacy settings to restrict app permissions related to contacts and other sensitive information.