CVE-2024-44207 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iOS and iPadOS affecting the Messages application’s audio messaging feature. Specifically, the flaw allows the Messages app to capture a few seconds of audio before the microphone indicator—an on-screen visual cue signaling microphone use—is activated. This means that users could unknowingly have audio recorded without their immediate awareness, potentially compromising sensitive conversations or ambient sounds. The root cause lies in insufficient checks that delayed the activation of the microphone indicator relative to the actual start of audio capture. Apple addressed this issue in iOS and iPadOS version 18.0.1 by implementing improved verification mechanisms to ensure the indicator activates simultaneously with audio recording. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.3, categorized as medium severity. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), and impacts confidentiality (C:L) without affecting integrity or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited or no active exploitation currently. The vulnerability primarily threatens user privacy by enabling limited unauthorized audio capture, which could be leveraged for espionage or data leakage if exploited in targeted attacks. Since the flaw is embedded in a widely used native app on Apple mobile devices, it affects a broad user base including enterprise and government users who rely on iOS/iPadOS for communication.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a privacy risk that could lead to unauthorized audio capture of sensitive conversations, potentially exposing confidential business information or personal data. The impact is particularly relevant for sectors handling sensitive communications such as finance, legal, healthcare, and government agencies. Although the vulnerability does not compromise system integrity or availability, the breach of confidentiality could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to unauthorized data capture. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing or social engineering attacks could exploit this flaw to capture audio surreptitiously. Organizations with a high number of Apple device users are at greater risk, especially if devices are not promptly updated. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks. The vulnerability also undermines user trust in device privacy indicators, which are critical for user awareness of microphone use.

The primary mitigation is to update all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 18.0.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Organizations should enforce mobile device management (MDM) policies to ensure timely patch deployment across all managed Apple devices. User education is essential to raise awareness about the risks of audio message features and to encourage cautious use of microphone permissions and messaging apps. Monitoring for unusual audio message activity or unexpected microphone usage can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review and restrict app permissions related to microphone access where feasible. For highly sensitive environments, consider disabling audio message features temporarily until devices are patched. Regular audits of device compliance and security posture will help maintain protection against this and similar vulnerabilities.