CVE-2024-54524 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS's file handling mechanisms that allows a malicious application to access arbitrary files on the system. This vulnerability arises from improper validation or control in the file access logic, categorized under CWE-843 (Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type or Invalid Type). The issue was addressed and fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.2 by improving the file handling logic to prevent unauthorized file access. The vulnerability requires local attacker presence and user interaction, as the malicious app must be executed by the user. No privileges or prior authentication are necessary, which lowers the barrier to exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, and no impact on integrity or availability. Although no exploits are known in the wild yet, the potential for sensitive data exposure is significant, especially in environments where confidential files reside on macOS devices. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to Sequoia 15.2, so organizations must verify their macOS version and apply the patch promptly. This vulnerability highlights the risks posed by malicious local applications and the importance of secure file access controls within operating systems.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-54524 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential information stored on macOS devices. This could include intellectual property, personal data protected under GDPR, or sensitive business documents. The confidentiality breach could lead to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and competitive disadvantage. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. However, the ease of exploitation—requiring only local access and user interaction—means that social engineering or phishing could be used to trick users into running malicious apps. Organizations with a high density of macOS endpoints, such as creative industries, finance, or government agencies, are at increased risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate future risk. The vulnerability also raises concerns for remote workers using macOS devices in Europe, where endpoint security may be less controlled. Overall, the threat could facilitate targeted espionage or insider threats if exploited.

1. Immediately upgrade all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, allowing only apps from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-signed applications. 3. Implement endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local application behavior, including anomalous file access patterns. 4. Conduct user awareness training to reduce the risk of executing untrusted applications, emphasizing the dangers of social engineering. 5. Utilize macOS built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Full Disk Encryption (FileVault) to limit unauthorized file access. 6. Regularly audit and monitor file access logs on macOS endpoints to detect unusual access to sensitive files. 7. For highly sensitive environments, consider application whitelisting and restricting local user privileges to minimize the attack surface. 8. Coordinate with IT and security teams to ensure rapid deployment of patches and continuous vulnerability management.