CVE-2024-44213 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS related to the parsing of URLs, where improper input validation allowed an attacker positioned within a privileged network role to leak sensitive user information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-922, indicating improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer or similar resource, here manifesting as flawed URL parsing logic. The issue was resolved by Apple through improved input validation in macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5 (high), with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). This means an unauthenticated attacker with network access could exploit this flaw to exfiltrate sensitive information without altering system integrity or availability. The vulnerability requires the attacker to be in a privileged network position, such as a man-in-the-middle or within a compromised network segment, to intercept or manipulate URL parsing processes. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet, but the potential for sensitive data leakage makes this a critical concern for organizations relying on macOS for secure communications and data handling.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44213 is the potential leakage of sensitive user information, which could include credentials, personal data, or confidential business information transmitted over network connections. This leakage undermines confidentiality and could facilitate further attacks such as identity theft, corporate espionage, or targeted phishing campaigns. Organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often handle sensitive data and rely on macOS devices, are particularly at risk. The requirement for a privileged network position means that attackers must have access to internal or otherwise trusted network segments, highlighting the importance of internal network security. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability directly but can lead to significant reputational damage and regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The risk is heightened in environments with remote work setups or less secure network configurations, where attackers might more easily gain privileged network access.

1. Immediately apply the security updates macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 or later to all affected devices to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict and monitor privileged network positions by implementing strong network segmentation, zero trust network access (ZTNA), and strict access controls to prevent unauthorized interception or manipulation of network traffic. 3. Deploy network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) capable of identifying anomalous URL parsing or suspicious traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Enforce the use of encrypted communication protocols (e.g., TLS 1.3) to reduce the risk of data leakage through network interception. 5. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on network infrastructure to identify and remediate potential privileged network access points. 6. Educate IT and security teams about this vulnerability and the importance of monitoring for unusual network activity related to macOS devices. 7. For organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, ensure VPNs and remote access solutions are securely configured and monitored to prevent attackers from gaining privileged network positions.