CVE-2025-24279 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access the user's contacts without proper authorization due to inadequate file handling mechanisms. Specifically, the vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The issue affects multiple macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, where the flaw has been remediated by Apple. The CVSS v3.1 score is 4.3 (medium), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and confidentiality impact limited to partial data disclosure (C:L). This means an attacker must have some level of privilege on the system, such as a limited user account or a sandboxed app, but does not require the user to interact with the app to exploit the vulnerability. The vulnerability allows unauthorized reading of contact information, potentially exposing sensitive personal or business data. No integrity or availability impacts are noted, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The root cause relates to insufficient file handling controls that fail to properly restrict access to contact data files or APIs. This vulnerability underscores the importance of strict access controls and sandboxing in protecting user privacy on macOS platforms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a privacy risk by potentially exposing sensitive contact information to unauthorized applications. This could lead to data leakage of personal or business contacts, which may be exploited for social engineering, phishing, or targeted attacks. Organizations handling sensitive client or partner information on macOS devices are at risk of confidentiality breaches. While the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the exposure of contact data can undermine trust and violate data protection regulations such as GDPR. The risk is heightened in sectors with high macOS usage, including creative industries, technology firms, and financial services. Additionally, organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies may face increased exposure if personal devices are not updated. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability is public.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to the fixed versions: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application permission policies, limiting which apps can access contacts through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions or endpoint security tools. Regular audits of installed applications and their permissions can help identify unauthorized access attempts. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual file access patterns may detect exploitation attempts. User education on the risks of installing untrusted applications can reduce the likelihood of privilege escalation leading to exploitation. For environments with sensitive data, consider restricting macOS device usage or isolating them from critical networks until patched. Finally, ensure compliance with GDPR by documenting the vulnerability management process and any data exposure incidents.