CVE-2024-44300 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS's file handling mechanisms that can allow a malicious or compromised application to access protected user data without proper authorization. The vulnerability arises from improper enforcement of file access controls, enabling an app to bypass restrictions intended to safeguard sensitive user information. This issue affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2. The vulnerability requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), and user interaction (UI:R) to be exploited, indicating that an attacker must trick a user into running a malicious app or code locally. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the exploit affects only the vulnerable component without extending privileges or affecting other system components. The impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no direct impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. The root cause was addressed by improving file handling logic in the affected macOS versions. This vulnerability is significant because it can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data, potentially including personal files, credentials, or other protected information stored on the device. Organizations relying on macOS systems, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data, should prioritize patching to prevent data leakage risks.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-44300 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of protected user data on macOS devices. This can lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government agencies that use macOS devices extensively are at higher risk due to the sensitivity of their data. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but increases the risk from insider threats or social engineering attacks. Data leakage could facilitate further attacks, including identity theft or corporate espionage. Since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely, but confidentiality breaches can have long-term consequences. European organizations with a significant macOS user base must consider this vulnerability in their endpoint security strategies and incident response plans.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2 to all affected devices. 2. Restrict installation of applications to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved software repositories to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. 3. Educate users on the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of verifying app authenticity to mitigate social engineering attempts. 4. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring suspicious file access patterns and application behaviors on macOS devices. 5. Enforce strict access controls and least privilege principles to limit the ability of apps to access sensitive files unnecessarily. 6. Regularly audit macOS devices for compliance with security policies and patch levels. 7. Consider deploying data loss prevention (DLP) tools to detect and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration from macOS endpoints. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response procedures to quickly respond if a breach occurs.