CVE-2024-44289 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access sensitive location information by exploiting insufficient private data redaction in system log entries. The root cause is related to how macOS logs handle location data, where sensitive information was not properly redacted before being written to logs accessible by apps. This flaw enables an unprivileged, unauthenticated app to read location data without requiring user interaction, thereby compromising user privacy. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization), indicating that the system failed to enforce proper access controls on sensitive data. The issue affects unspecified versions of macOS but has been addressed in macOS Ventura 13.7.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 through improved log data redaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and a high impact on confidentiality. No integrity or availability impacts are noted. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the sensitivity of location data make this a significant privacy concern. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict data handling and access control policies within operating system components that manage sensitive user information.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable privacy risk, particularly for sectors relying on location data such as logistics, transportation, government, and law enforcement. Unauthorized access to location information can lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and potential exposure of sensitive operational details. The confidentiality breach could facilitate targeted attacks, surveillance, or data leakage. Since the vulnerability requires no privileges or user interaction, it increases the attack surface significantly. Organizations using macOS devices in their IT environments may face risks of internal or external malicious apps exploiting this flaw to gather location data stealthily. This could undermine trust in organizational data protection practices and lead to reputational damage. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive patching before widespread exploitation occurs.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to Ventura 13.7.1 or Sonoma 14.7.1 as soon as possible to apply the fix that improves private data redaction in logs. Additionally, organizations should audit installed applications and restrict the installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps to reduce the risk of exploitation. Implementing endpoint security solutions that monitor unusual access patterns to system logs or location services can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Enforcing strict application sandboxing and using Apple's privacy controls to limit app permissions related to location data further reduces exposure. Organizations should also review their internal policies for handling location data and ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant privacy regulations. Regular security awareness training for users about the risks of installing unverified applications is recommended. Finally, monitoring Apple security advisories for any updates or emerging exploit reports is critical for timely response.