CVE-2024-44191 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s Xcode development environment and multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The root cause is improper state management that allows an application to gain unauthorized access to Bluetooth capabilities. This flaw could enable a malicious or compromised app to interact with Bluetooth hardware or data without proper authorization, potentially undermining the integrity of Bluetooth operations. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or availability directly but poses a risk to the integrity of Bluetooth communications or configurations. Exploitation requires local access with limited privileges (AV:L, PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N), making it feasible for apps already installed on a device to exploit the flaw without user consent. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved state management and fixed in updates including iOS 17.7, iPadOS 17.7, Xcode 16, visionOS 2, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia 15, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and tvOS 18. There are no known active exploits in the wild at the time of publication. Given the widespread use of Apple devices and development tools, this vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass Bluetooth access controls, potentially enabling unauthorized device pairing, data injection, or manipulation of Bluetooth communications by malicious apps.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-44191 centers on the potential for unauthorized Bluetooth access by malicious applications, which could compromise the integrity of Bluetooth communications and connected devices. This is particularly relevant for enterprises relying on Apple devices for development, testing, or operational use, including sectors such as software development, healthcare, manufacturing, and IoT deployments where Bluetooth is integral. Unauthorized Bluetooth access could lead to manipulation of device behavior, injection of malicious data, or interference with Bluetooth-enabled security controls. While confidentiality and availability impacts are not directly indicated, the integrity compromise could facilitate further attacks or data manipulation. Organizations with strict compliance requirements around device security and data integrity may face regulatory scrutiny if such vulnerabilities are exploited. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once a malicious app is present, increasing risk in environments where app vetting is less stringent.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple operating systems and Xcode versions to the patched releases (e.g., iOS 17.7, Xcode 16). Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict app vetting and code signing policies to prevent unauthorized or malicious apps from being installed on developer and user devices. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce Bluetooth usage policies and monitor Bluetooth activity for anomalies. Developers should audit their apps for unnecessary Bluetooth permissions and minimize Bluetooth exposure. Security teams should conduct regular security assessments of Apple device fleets, focusing on Bluetooth configurations and access controls. Additionally, organizations should educate developers and users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of applying security updates promptly. For critical environments, consider isolating development devices from sensitive networks to reduce risk exposure.