CVE-2024-44255 is a vulnerability stemming from improper path handling in Apple’s shortcut execution mechanism across multiple operating systems including macOS Ventura (13.7.1 and earlier), macOS Sonoma (14.7.1 and earlier), iOS 18.1 and earlier, iPadOS 18.1 and earlier, watchOS 11.1 and earlier, and tvOS 18.1 and earlier. The flaw allows a malicious application to run arbitrary shortcuts without requiring user consent, bypassing normal security prompts and controls. This is due to insufficient validation of shortcut paths, categorized under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory). The vulnerability can be exploited locally without any privileges or user interaction, making it easier for attackers who have gained local access to escalate their capabilities. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as arbitrary shortcuts can execute commands or scripts with the privileges of the current user. Apple has fixed this issue by improving path validation logic in the affected OS versions. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet, but the high CVSS score of 8.4 reflects the critical nature of the vulnerability. Organizations using Apple devices should apply the patches promptly to prevent potential exploitation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where macOS and other Apple devices are widely used. The ability for a malicious app to execute arbitrary shortcuts without user consent can lead to unauthorized data access, execution of malicious code, privilege escalation, and disruption of critical services. This can impact confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized changes, and availability by potentially causing system instability or denial of service. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on Apple ecosystems for daily operations could face operational disruptions or data breaches. The local attack vector means that attackers need some form of local access, which could be obtained through phishing, social engineering, or insider threats. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in Europe, the threat surface is considerable, and unpatched systems represent a high-value target for attackers aiming to compromise organizational assets.

European organizations should immediately verify the deployment status of the following OS versions: macOS Ventura 13.7.1 or later, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 or later, iOS 18.1 or later, iPadOS 18.1 or later, watchOS 11.1 or later, and tvOS 18.1 or later. Systems running earlier versions must be updated without delay to incorporate the patch that fixes the path handling flaw. Additionally, organizations should implement strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection to detect and block unauthorized shortcut executions. Monitoring local application behavior for unusual shortcut invocations can help detect exploitation attempts. Limiting local user privileges and enforcing strong access controls reduces the risk of initial local compromise. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure compliance with patch management policies to reduce exposure.