CVE-2024-44197 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as a denial-of-service (DoS) issue caused by improper memory handling within the operating system. The vulnerability allows a malicious application, which must already have high privileges on the system, to trigger a condition that results in system unavailability or crash. The root cause relates to how memory is managed internally, potentially leading to resource exhaustion or corruption that halts normal system operations. Apple addressed this vulnerability in macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 by improving the memory handling mechanisms to prevent such exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 2.7, reflecting a low severity primarily because exploitation requires high privileges and does not affect confidentiality or integrity, only availability. No user interaction is needed, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited current risk. However, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or by insiders to disrupt services on affected macOS systems. The lack of detailed affected versions suggests that all versions prior to the patched releases should be considered vulnerable. This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust memory management and privilege controls within macOS to prevent denial-of-service conditions caused by malicious software.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44197 is the potential disruption of availability on macOS systems. This could affect workstations, servers, or specialized devices running macOS, leading to downtime or degraded productivity. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, denial-of-service conditions can interrupt business operations, especially in environments relying heavily on Apple hardware. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, media, and government that use macOS extensively may face operational risks if this vulnerability is exploited. The requirement for high privileges limits the threat to scenarios involving insider threats or attackers who have already gained elevated access, reducing the likelihood of widespread exploitation. Nevertheless, unpatched systems remain susceptible to crashes or service interruptions, which could cascade into broader operational challenges. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently lowers immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance and timely patching.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to Ventura 13.7.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, or later versions where the vulnerability is fixed. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict privilege management policies to limit the number of users and applications with high-level access, reducing the attack surface. Implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for unusual app behavior can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Regular system audits and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can identify privilege escalation or suspicious memory usage patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize downtime in case of denial-of-service incidents. User education on the risks of installing untrusted applications, even with elevated privileges, will further reduce exposure. Finally, integrating macOS-specific security configurations and compliance checks into enterprise security frameworks will ensure ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities.