CVE-2024-44265 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an attacker with physical access to a device to inject Game Controller input events into applications running on a locked system. This issue arises because the operating system did not sufficiently restrict input options from external game controllers when the device was locked, enabling unauthorized input events to be processed by apps without unlocking the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-independent (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and affects confidentiality (C:H) but not integrity or availability. The flaw was addressed by Apple in macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 by restricting the input options available on locked devices, thereby preventing unauthorized input injection. While no exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability could allow attackers to interact with applications or potentially extract sensitive information by simulating input events. This is particularly concerning in environments where devices are left unattended but locked, such as offices or public spaces. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with peripheral input devices and the need for strict input validation and authorization checks on locked systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality, especially in sectors handling sensitive or regulated data such as finance, healthcare, and government. An attacker with physical access could potentially manipulate applications or extract information without unlocking the device, bypassing security controls. This could lead to data leakage or unauthorized actions within applications that process sensitive information. The impact is heightened in environments where macOS devices are used extensively and may be left unattended but locked, such as corporate offices, research institutions, or public kiosks. Although the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability directly, the breach of confidentiality alone can have severe regulatory and reputational consequences under GDPR and other European data protection laws. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to Ventura 13.7.1, Sonoma 14.7.1, or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices, including secure storage and access restrictions in sensitive areas. 3. Disable or restrict the use of external game controllers or similar input devices on locked systems where possible. 4. Implement device usage policies that require users to log out or shut down devices when unattended rather than relying solely on locking. 5. Monitor and audit device access logs for unusual input events or patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Educate employees about the risks of leaving devices unattended and encourage prompt reporting of lost or stolen devices. 7. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous input events or unauthorized peripheral usage. 8. For high-security environments, consider hardware-based security modules or trusted platform modules (TPMs) that can enforce stricter input authorization.