CVE-2024-44237 is an out-of-bounds (OOB) access vulnerability classified under CWE-125 that affects Apple macOS systems. The flaw arises from improper bounds checking when the operating system processes certain file types, allowing a maliciously crafted file to trigger an unexpected application termination. This vulnerability does not lead to code execution or data compromise but results in denial of service by crashing affected applications. The issue affects macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.1 and Sonoma 14.7.1, where Apple has implemented improved bounds checking to prevent OOB access. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, reflecting medium severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction needed (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact affects availability only (A:H), with no confidentiality or integrity impact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for denial-of-service attacks exists if users open malicious files. The vulnerability primarily impacts applications that handle file parsing or processing, which could include common macOS utilities or third-party apps relying on system libraries. The fix involves enhanced bounds checking to prevent out-of-bounds memory access, thus eliminating the crash condition.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of denial-of-service conditions on macOS endpoints and servers that process untrusted files. While it does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, unexpected application crashes can disrupt business operations, especially in environments relying on macOS for critical workflows or customer-facing services. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies using Apple devices may experience operational interruptions. Additionally, repeated exploitation could be used as a nuisance or distraction technique by threat actors. The lack of privilege requirements and the need for only user interaction means that phishing or social engineering attacks could be used to deliver malicious files. However, the absence of known exploits and the medium severity rating reduce the immediate risk level. Still, organizations with macOS deployments should not delay patching to maintain system stability and prevent potential denial-of-service attacks.

1. Apply the latest macOS updates immediately, specifically macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, or later versions containing the patch for CVE-2024-44237. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine suspicious or unknown file types that could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Educate users to avoid opening files from untrusted or unexpected sources to reduce the risk of triggering the vulnerability. 4. Monitor application logs and system stability metrics for unusual crashes or terminations that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous application behavior related to file processing. 6. For critical macOS systems, consider sandboxing or restricting file processing applications to limit the impact of potential crashes. 7. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from any denial-of-service incidents caused by exploitation.