CVE-2024-44298 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed in the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. The root cause is insufficient redaction of private data in system log entries, which allows an application with limited privileges (low privilege requirement) to access sensitive information about a user's contacts. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N, A:N). This means that while the attacker cannot modify or disrupt system operations, they can gain unauthorized access to confidential contact data. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-922, which relates to improper private data handling. No public exploits have been reported to date, but the risk remains for environments where untrusted or malicious applications can be installed or executed. The fix involves improved private data redaction in log entries, preventing unauthorized access to contact information through logs. Since the affected versions are unspecified, it is prudent for all macOS users to upgrade to Sequoia 15.1 or later. This vulnerability primarily threatens user privacy rather than system stability or integrity.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44298 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive contact information, which can include personal and professional contacts. This exposure can lead to privacy violations, non-compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, and potential reputational damage. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government that rely on macOS devices for handling sensitive data are particularly at risk. The confidentiality breach could facilitate further targeted attacks such as phishing or social engineering by exposing contact networks. Since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. However, the privacy implications alone can result in regulatory fines and loss of customer trust. The requirement for local access with low privileges means that insider threats or malware already present on a device could exploit this vulnerability. Therefore, the impact is significant in environments where endpoint security is not tightly controlled or where users have the ability to install untrusted applications.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection to prevent installation or execution of untrusted or malicious apps that could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and their permissions, especially those with access to contacts or system logs. 4. Limit local user privileges where possible to reduce the risk of exploitation by low-privilege accounts. 5. Monitor system logs and endpoint behavior for unusual access patterns to contacts or log files. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 7. For organizations with sensitive data, consider additional data encryption or access controls on contact information at the application level. 8. Review and enhance endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts. 9. Coordinate with IT and security teams to ensure timely patch management and vulnerability response processes are in place.