CVE-2024-54475 is a privacy-related vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems. The root cause stems from insufficient redaction of private data within system log entries, which could be accessed by an application to infer the user’s current geographical location. This vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.2, Sonoma 14.7.2, and Ventura 13.7.2. The flaw is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). Exploitation requires local access with user interaction but no elevated privileges, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N). The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but compromises confidentiality by leaking location data. Apple addressed this issue by improving private data redaction in log entries to prevent unauthorized location disclosure. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. This vulnerability primarily affects macOS users who run untrusted or malicious applications capable of reading system logs. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is more of a privacy concern than a critical security threat but still warrants timely patching to protect user location privacy.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-54475 is the unauthorized disclosure of a user’s current location, which can have significant privacy implications. For individuals, this could lead to unwanted tracking or profiling by malicious applications. For organizations, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data, this vulnerability could result in compliance violations with privacy laws such as GDPR or CCPA if user location data is exposed without consent. Although the vulnerability does not allow for system compromise or denial of service, the leakage of location information can facilitate targeted phishing, social engineering, or physical security risks. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits the scope of exploitation, reducing the overall risk. However, in environments where users frequently install third-party applications or where endpoint security is lax, the risk increases. Enterprises with macOS endpoints should consider this vulnerability in their privacy risk assessments and ensure timely patch deployment to mitigate potential exposure.

To mitigate CVE-2024-54475, organizations and users should promptly update affected macOS systems to the patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.2, Sonoma 14.7.2, or Ventura 13.7.2. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit the installation and execution of untrusted or unnecessary applications that could attempt to access system logs. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual access to system logs or location-related data. Educate users about the risks of installing applications from unverified sources and the importance of granting permissions cautiously. Additionally, review and restrict log access permissions where feasible to minimize exposure of sensitive information. Regularly audit system logs and monitor for anomalous access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. For high-security environments, consider additional privacy-enhancing technologies or sandboxing mechanisms to isolate applications from sensitive system data.