CVE-2024-54513 is a permissions-related vulnerability identified in Apple’s tvOS and other operating systems including watchOS, visionOS, macOS Sequoia, iOS, and iPadOS. The issue stems from insufficient restrictions on app permissions, allowing a malicious or compromised application to access sensitive user data without requiring privileged access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-281, which relates to improper access control. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as installing or running a malicious app, but does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.7, indicating medium severity, with the vector AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, meaning the attack can be performed remotely over a network with low complexity, no privileges, but requires user interaction, and impacts confidentiality but not integrity or availability. Apple has addressed this issue by implementing additional permission restrictions in tvOS 18.2 and corresponding updates for other platforms. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability highlights the risk of sensitive data exposure through apps on Apple devices, emphasizing the need for strict permission management and timely patching.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on Apple devices, particularly those running tvOS and related operating systems. The confidentiality breach could lead to exposure of personal or corporate information, potentially affecting privacy compliance under GDPR and other regulations. While the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the leakage of sensitive data can undermine trust, lead to reputational damage, and facilitate further targeted attacks such as social engineering or phishing. Organizations using Apple TV devices in corporate environments, digital signage, or media delivery may be particularly vulnerable. The requirement for user interaction means that social engineering or malicious app distribution could be vectors for exploitation. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits post-disclosure. Prompt patching is critical to mitigate potential impact.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the patched versions: tvOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2, visionOS 2.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, iOS 18.2, and iPadOS 18.2. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unauthorized apps on Apple devices, especially tvOS endpoints. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce app whitelisting and permission restrictions. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of applying updates promptly. Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual access patterns or data exfiltration attempts from Apple devices. Consider segmenting Apple TV devices from sensitive network segments to reduce potential data exposure. Regularly review and audit app permissions on deployed devices to ensure minimal necessary access is granted. Finally, maintain an incident response plan that includes scenarios involving data leakage from consumer devices.