CVE-2024-54528 is a logic vulnerability in Apple macOS discovered and addressed in versions Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2. The vulnerability stems from improper restrictions in the system's file overwrite logic, allowing a local application with limited privileges (PR:L) to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. The flaw does not require user interaction (UI:N) and does not impact confidentiality but has a high impact on integrity and availability, as arbitrary file overwrites can lead to data corruption, system instability, or denial of service. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have some level of access to the system, such as through a compromised account or malicious app installation. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.1, indicating high severity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk if exploited, especially in environments where macOS is widely used. The fix involves improved restrictions in the file handling logic to prevent unauthorized overwrites. This vulnerability highlights the importance of controlling app privileges and ensuring timely patching of macOS systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a risk of unauthorized file overwrites by local applications, potentially leading to data integrity loss and system availability issues. Critical systems running macOS could experience service disruptions or data corruption, impacting business operations and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where endpoint security is weak or insider threats exist. Organizations using macOS in sensitive sectors like finance, healthcare, and government are particularly vulnerable to operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but patching remains urgent to prevent future attacks. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation in targeted attacks, increasing overall threat severity.

European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates provided in macOS Sequoia 15.2, Ventura 13.7.2, and Sonoma 14.7.2 to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps, reducing the attack surface. Implementing least privilege principles for user accounts and applications will minimize the potential for local exploitation. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be tuned to detect suspicious file overwrite behaviors. Regular audits of file integrity and system logs can help identify exploitation attempts early. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software and maintain robust access controls to prevent unauthorized local access. Network segmentation can also limit the impact of compromised macOS endpoints.