CVE-2024-44282 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and other Apple operating systems (tvOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS) that involves an out-of-bounds read caused by improper input validation during file parsing. Specifically, when the system parses a crafted file, it may read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries (CWE-125), potentially disclosing sensitive user information stored in memory. This vulnerability does not allow modification of data or denial of service but compromises confidentiality by leaking information. The flaw requires no privileges (AV:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as opening or processing a malicious file. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions, including macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, as well as iOS 17.7.1 and iPadOS 17.7.1, among others. Apple has addressed the issue by improving input validation in these updates. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level, with the vector highlighting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, unchanged scope, and high confidentiality impact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild to date. This vulnerability is significant because Apple devices are widely used in both consumer and enterprise environments, and the ability to leak user information could facilitate further attacks or privacy violations.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44282 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user information residing in memory during file parsing. This could include personal data, credentials, or other confidential information, which may lead to privacy breaches or facilitate subsequent targeted attacks such as phishing or credential theft. Organizations relying on Apple devices for critical business functions, communications, or data processing are at risk of data leakage. Although the vulnerability does not allow code execution or system compromise directly, the confidentiality breach can undermine trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The requirement for user interaction means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to exploit this vulnerability. The broad range of affected Apple OS versions increases the attack surface across desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and IoT devices like Apple Watch and visionOS devices, complicating mitigation efforts. Failure to patch could expose organizations to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational risks.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediately deploy the latest Apple OS updates that address CVE-2024-44282, including macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, iOS/iPadOS 17.7.1, tvOS 18.1, watchOS 11.1, and visionOS 2.1. 2) Enforce strict policies on file sources, restricting users from opening files from untrusted or unknown origins, especially via email or web downloads. 3) Utilize endpoint security solutions capable of scanning and blocking malicious files before they are opened. 4) Educate users on the risks of opening unexpected or suspicious files and implement phishing awareness training to reduce user interaction risks. 5) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual file parsing activities or memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) For organizations with sensitive data, consider application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit file parsing to trusted applications only. 7) Maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure compliance with patch management policies to reduce exposure. 8) Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories for any emerging exploit information or additional patches.