CVE-2024-54533 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS related to a permissions issue that allows an application to bypass sandbox restrictions and access sensitive user data. The root cause is an insufficient enforcement of sandbox policies that are designed to isolate applications and restrict their access to system resources and user data. This flaw could enable a malicious or compromised app to read or manipulate sensitive information without proper authorization. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS but has been addressed in macOS Ventura 13.7.5 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 through enhanced sandbox restrictions. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:L), the attack can be performed remotely over the network without requiring privileges or user interaction, but it has high attack complexity, meaning it is not trivial to exploit. The impact includes low confidentiality loss, high integrity loss, and low availability loss, indicating that while data exposure is limited, the ability to alter data or system state is significant. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), highlighting a failure in enforcing correct permissions. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of this vulnerability in widely used macOS systems makes it a serious concern for users and organizations relying on Apple devices.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology that rely on Apple hardware could face data breaches or unauthorized data manipulation if exploited. The ability for an app to bypass sandbox restrictions undermines the security model of macOS, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within networks. Although the attack complexity is high and no exploits are currently known, the widespread use of macOS in enterprise environments means that unpatched systems could be targeted in future attacks. The impact extends to potential regulatory and compliance issues under GDPR, as unauthorized access to personal data could lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Additionally, the integrity impact could disrupt business operations or compromise critical applications running on affected devices.

European organizations should immediately verify their macOS versions and prioritize updating to macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application whitelisting and sandboxing policies to limit the installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual application behaviors indicative of sandbox escape attempts. Network segmentation can reduce the risk of lateral movement if a device is compromised. User education should emphasize the risks of installing unverified software. Additionally, organizations should audit existing macOS configurations to ensure that sandboxing and permission settings adhere to best practices. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on macOS environments can help identify residual risks. Finally, maintaining robust backup and incident response plans will mitigate potential damage if exploitation occurs.