CVE-2024-44254 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and other related operating systems (watchOS, iOS, iPadOS) that allows an application to access sensitive user data improperly. The root cause is insufficient redaction of sensitive information, meaning that data which should have been obscured or protected remains accessible to apps with limited privileges. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (AV:L - local attack vector, PR:L - low privileges) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability does not affect the integrity or availability of the system but has a high impact on confidentiality (C:H). This indicates that an attacker or malicious app running on the device could read sensitive user data without authorization. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved redaction techniques in the affected OS versions: watchOS 11.1, macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1. The CVSS score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity, balancing the high confidentiality impact against the requirement for local access and privileges. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a risk especially in environments where untrusted or malicious apps might be installed or where devices are shared or exposed to multiple users. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict data handling and access controls within Apple’s OS environments to prevent unauthorized data disclosure.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44254 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on Apple devices. This can include personal information, credentials, or other confidential data stored or processed by apps on macOS and other Apple platforms. Organizations relying on Apple hardware for business operations, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., finance, healthcare, government), could face data confidentiality breaches if devices remain unpatched. The vulnerability does not allow system compromise or denial of service but could facilitate insider threats or lateral movement by malicious apps or users with local access. The risk is elevated in environments where endpoint security controls are weak, or where users install third-party applications without strict vetting. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in European enterprises and public sectors, unpatched systems could expose critical data to unauthorized access, potentially leading to compliance violations under GDPR and other data protection regulations. However, the lack of known exploits and the requirement for local access somewhat limit the immediate risk.

1. Apply the latest Apple security updates immediately: macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, watchOS 11.1, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies to prevent untrusted or malicious apps from running on corporate Apple devices. 3. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and restrict access to sensitive data. 4. Implement endpoint security solutions that monitor for suspicious local activity and privilege escalations. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software and the importance of applying OS updates promptly. 6. Regularly audit devices for compliance with patching policies and app permission configurations. 7. Consider network segmentation and access controls to limit local access to critical Apple devices. 8. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual access patterns to sensitive data on Apple endpoints. These targeted measures go beyond generic patching advice by focusing on minimizing the attack surface and controlling app behavior to reduce the risk of exploitation.