CVE-2024-40787: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2024-40787 is a security vulnerability affecting Apple's Shortcuts functionality across multiple operating systems including macOS Ventura 13.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6. The vulnerability was discovered and reported by an anonymous researcher and disclosed on July 29, 2024. The issue allows a shortcut to bypass Internet permission requirements (Apple Support).

The vulnerability stems from a permission bypass issue in the Shortcuts application that could allow unauthorized Internet access. Apple addressed this security flaw by adding an additional prompt for user consent, implementing a more robust permission verification system. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.1 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N, indicating local access is required but no user interaction is needed for exploitation (NVD).

The vulnerability allows shortcuts to bypass Internet permission requirements, potentially enabling unauthorized network access and data transmission without proper user authorization. This could lead to privacy violations and unauthorized data access through the Shortcuts application (Apple Support).

Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability across multiple operating systems. Users should update to macOS Ventura 13.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, or macOS Sonoma 14.6 depending on their device. The fix implements an additional prompt for user consent when shortcuts attempt to access Internet permissions (Apple Support).