CVE-2024-54526 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and related Apple operating systems that allows a malicious application to access private information improperly. The root cause is insufficient validation or enforcement of access controls within the OS, which enables an app running with limited privileges (local access with partial rights) to bypass intended data protections. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to be exploited, increasing the risk of silent data exposure. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting high confidentiality impact but no impact on integrity or availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component. Apple has addressed this issue by implementing improved checks in the affected OS versions, including tvOS 18.2 and others. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. The vulnerability affects all unspecified versions prior to the patched releases, potentially exposing private user data to malicious apps installed on the device. This flaw is significant given the sensitive nature of data handled by Apple devices and the widespread use of Apple TV in consumer and enterprise environments.

For European organizations, the primary impact is unauthorized access to private information on Apple devices, which could include corporate data, personal user information, or sensitive media content. This exposure risks violating data protection regulations such as GDPR, potentially leading to legal and financial repercussions. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so it is unlikely to cause service disruption or data manipulation. However, the confidentiality breach could facilitate further attacks, such as social engineering or targeted espionage. Organizations using Apple TV devices in meeting rooms, digital signage, or entertainment systems may inadvertently expose sensitive information if malicious apps are installed. The risk is heightened in sectors with stringent privacy requirements, including finance, healthcare, and government. Since exploitation requires local access with limited privileges, insider threats or compromised endpoints could leverage this vulnerability. The lack of required user interaction simplifies exploitation once access is obtained, increasing the threat level. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to confidentiality that must be mitigated promptly to protect sensitive data and comply with European privacy laws.

1. Immediately update all affected Apple devices to the patched OS versions: tvOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2. 2. Restrict installation of apps to trusted sources only, such as the official Apple App Store, and enforce strict app vetting policies. 3. Implement device management solutions (MDM) to control app permissions and monitor installed applications on Apple devices. 4. Limit physical and network access to Apple TV and related devices to reduce the risk of local exploitation by unauthorized users. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of timely updates. 6. Regularly audit Apple devices for compliance with security policies and patch levels. 7. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. 8. Consider segmenting Apple TV devices on separate network zones to minimize exposure of sensitive internal systems. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling app sources, access restrictions, and proactive monitoring tailored to the Apple ecosystem.