CVE-2024-44281 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that arises from an out-of-bounds read condition during the parsing of certain files. This flaw is classified under CWE-125, indicating improper bounds checking that allows reading memory outside the intended buffer. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized disclosure of user information, compromising confidentiality. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved input validation in macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting that the attack vector is local (AV:L), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited current exploitation. The vulnerability could be triggered when a user opens or parses a specially crafted file, potentially exposing sensitive user data from memory. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, remote exploitation is not feasible without additional attack vectors. The fix involves enhanced input validation to prevent out-of-bounds memory reads during file parsing.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44281 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user information on affected macOS systems. This could include personal data or credentials stored in memory, which attackers could leverage for further attacks such as identity theft or lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality breaches can undermine compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, leading to legal and reputational consequences. Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat is more relevant in environments where users might open untrusted files, such as in corporate email or file-sharing scenarios. Organizations with macOS endpoints in sectors like finance, technology, and government may face elevated risks if attackers gain physical or remote access to user devices. However, the lack of integrity or availability impact limits the potential for system disruption or data manipulation. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk that should be addressed promptly to protect sensitive information and maintain regulatory compliance.

To mitigate CVE-2024-44281, European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to versions Ventura 13.7.1 or Sonoma 14.7.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Implement strict endpoint management policies to ensure timely deployment of security updates. Limit user exposure to untrusted files by enforcing email filtering, sandboxing, and file scanning solutions that detect malicious or malformed files. Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or suspicious sources, emphasizing the need for caution with email attachments and downloads. Employ application whitelisting and restrict the execution of unauthorized software to reduce the attack surface. For sensitive environments, consider disabling or restricting file parsing features that are not essential. Monitor endpoint logs for unusual file access patterns or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain an inventory of macOS devices to ensure all are compliant with security policies and patches.