CVE-2024-44240 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s font processing components across multiple operating systems including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation when processing specially crafted font files, which can lead to the disclosure of process memory. This memory disclosure can expose sensitive information residing in the memory space of the affected process, potentially including cryptographic keys, user data, or other confidential information. The vulnerability requires no privileges to exploit but does require user interaction, such as opening or rendering a malicious font file embedded in a document or webpage. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, reflecting a medium severity level, with an attack vector of network (remote), low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. Apple has released patches in versions tvOS 18.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, watchOS 11.1, and visionOS 2.1 to address this issue by implementing improved checks during font processing to prevent memory disclosure. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported as of the publication date. The vulnerability affects all Apple devices running vulnerable OS versions that process fonts, which is a common operation, making the attack surface broad. The flaw is particularly concerning for environments where sensitive data confidentiality is critical, as attackers could leverage this to extract information from memory without elevated privileges.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44240 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from process memory on Apple devices. This could include personal data, authentication tokens, encryption keys, or proprietary information, leading to privacy breaches, intellectual property theft, or further compromise. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on Apple devices for daily operations and handle sensitive data are at heightened risk. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so it is less likely to cause service disruption but can facilitate espionage or data leakage. Since exploitation requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious fonts embedded in documents or web content. The widespread use of Apple devices in Europe, especially in business and government sectors, increases the potential exposure. Failure to patch promptly could result in attackers gaining footholds or harvesting sensitive data, undermining compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations.

European organizations should immediately verify the Apple OS versions deployed across their endpoints and prioritize patching to the fixed versions: macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, iOS 17.7.1, iPadOS 17.7.1, tvOS 18.1, watchOS 11.1, and visionOS 2.1. Implement endpoint management solutions to enforce update compliance and monitor for outdated devices. Educate users to be cautious with opening documents or links from untrusted sources, especially those that may contain embedded fonts. Deploy email and web filtering solutions to block or quarantine suspicious attachments or font files. Consider application whitelisting or sandboxing for applications that process fonts to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Coordinate with incident response teams to prepare for potential exploitation scenarios. Ensure backups and data protection mechanisms are in place to mitigate secondary impacts. Finally, maintain awareness of any emerging exploit reports or threat intelligence related to this vulnerability.