CVE-2024-44302 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and other Apple operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. The flaw arises from insufficient validation when processing font files, allowing a maliciously crafted font to cause disclosure of process memory. This memory disclosure can leak sensitive information residing in the process’s memory space, potentially including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, as the user must open or otherwise process the malicious font file for exploitation to occur. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The impact is limited to confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability. Apple addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved validation checks in font processing routines, releasing patches in macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and other related OS versions. There are no known exploits in the wild, indicating the vulnerability has not yet been actively weaponized. However, the potential for sensitive data leakage makes timely patching critical. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the patched releases, though exact affected versions are unspecified. The issue highlights the risk of complex file format parsing vulnerabilities in widely used operating systems and the importance of robust input validation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of confidential data leakage from Apple devices if exploited. Organizations with employees using macOS, iOS, or iPadOS devices could have sensitive process memory exposed, potentially including credentials, encryption keys, or proprietary information. Although exploitation requires local access and user interaction, targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could trick users into opening malicious font files embedded in documents or emails. This could lead to information disclosure incidents, undermining privacy and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. Critical sectors like finance, government, and healthcare that rely heavily on Apple devices for daily operations are particularly vulnerable. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, with no direct effect on system integrity or availability. Since no known exploits exist yet, proactive patching and user awareness can effectively mitigate risk. Failure to patch could expose organizations to espionage or data theft attempts leveraging this vulnerability.

1. Apply the latest Apple security updates immediately across all affected devices, including macOS Ventura 13.7.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.1, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and related OS versions. 2. Implement strict email and document filtering to detect and block suspicious font files or documents containing embedded fonts from untrusted sources. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening unknown or unexpected attachments, especially those containing fonts or document files. 4. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous font processing or exploitation attempts. 5. Restrict local user permissions to limit the ability to install or open untrusted fonts where possible. 6. Monitor logs and system behavior for unusual font processing activities or memory access patterns. 7. For organizations with managed Apple devices, enforce patch management policies to ensure timely updates. 8. Consider disabling or restricting font installation from untrusted sources if operationally feasible. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on font-specific controls, user education, and proactive patch enforcement tailored to this vulnerability.