CVE-2024-44223 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an attacker with physical access to a device to bypass protections at the Login Window and view protected content. The root cause is improper state management within the macOS login process, which fails to adequately isolate sensitive information before user authentication. This flaw enables unauthorized disclosure of confidential data without requiring any authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk of data leakage if an attacker gains physical access. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.1, where Apple has implemented improved state management to address the issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.6 (medium severity), reflecting the requirement for physical access (Attack Vector: Physical), no privileges or user interaction needed, and a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known public exploits or active exploitation reported at this time. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-281 (Improper Handling of Authentication). This issue is particularly relevant in environments where Macs are used in shared spaces or where physical security controls are weak, as attackers could potentially extract sensitive information from the login screen without logging in. The fix involves updating to macOS Sequoia 15.1, which includes improved state management to prevent unauthorized content disclosure at the Login Window.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of sensitive information on macOS devices. In sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure where Macs are used, unauthorized disclosure of protected content could lead to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or exposure of personally identifiable information (PII). The requirement for physical access limits the attack surface to scenarios involving device theft, loss, or insider threats. However, in environments with lax physical security or shared workspaces, the risk increases. Since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. Nonetheless, the exposure of sensitive data could have regulatory and reputational consequences under GDPR and other European data protection laws. Organizations relying heavily on Apple hardware must consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and incident response planning.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later, as this version contains the fix for CVE-2024-44223. 2. Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices, including secure storage, access badges, and surveillance in sensitive areas. 3. Implement full disk encryption (FileVault) and ensure that devices are set to require authentication immediately after sleep or screen saver activation to reduce exposure time. 4. Educate employees about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of locking screens when not in use. 5. For high-risk environments, consider additional endpoint security solutions that monitor for unauthorized physical access or tampering. 6. Regularly audit device configurations and access logs to detect potential misuse or unauthorized access attempts. 7. Develop incident response procedures that include steps for handling lost or stolen devices to minimize data exposure.