CVE-2024-23210 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
This issue was addressed with improved redaction of sensitive information. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, tvOS 17.3, watchOS 10.3. An app may be able to view a user's phone number in system logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-23210 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apple's operating systems that could potentially expose sensitive user data through system log files. This issue specifically relates to the improper handling of sensitive information during system logging processes, where personal identifiers such as phone numbers could be inadvertently captured and stored in accessible log records. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, indicating a widespread concern that spans the entire Apple ecosystem. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the system's data sanitization mechanisms that should have prevented sensitive information from being logged in the first place. This type of vulnerability directly impacts user privacy and could potentially be exploited by malicious actors who gain access to system logs, as phone numbers represent highly sensitive personal data that can be used for identity theft, social engineering attacks, or other forms of cybercrime. The issue aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to unintended actors, and represents a clear violation of data protection principles that should be maintained at all system levels.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate redaction processes within the system logging framework where sensitive data elements are not properly stripped or masked before being written to log files. This flaw likely occurs during the normal operation of system processes that collect various types of information for diagnostic purposes, where phone number data becomes part of the logging mechanism without proper sanitization. The vulnerability exists in the information flow between system components and the logging subsystem, where data validation and sanitization checks fail to properly identify and remove sensitive elements such as phone numbers. This represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and data minimization, where systems should only collect and retain the minimum necessary information for their intended purposes. The implementation of proper redaction mechanisms should have been enforced at multiple levels including application programming interfaces, system services, and logging frameworks to ensure that sensitive information cannot be inadvertently exposed through system artifacts. The issue reflects poor adherence to secure coding practices and insufficient input validation that should be implemented across all system components handling user data.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23210 extends beyond simple privacy concerns to potentially enable a range of malicious activities including identity fraud, targeted phishing campaigns, and social engineering attacks that rely on personal contact information. When phone numbers are exposed through system logs, they become accessible to any entity that can read the log files, which could include malicious applications, compromised system components, or unauthorized personnel with system access. This vulnerability creates a persistent risk that remains active until properly patched, as system logs are typically retained for extended periods and may be accessible through various attack vectors. The exposure of phone numbers through system logs could also facilitate broader attacks such as SIM swapping attempts, where adversaries use the exposed contact information to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The impact is particularly severe given that phone numbers serve as primary identifiers for many online services and authentication mechanisms, making them highly valuable targets for cybercriminals. This vulnerability also represents a breach of user trust and could potentially lead to regulatory compliance issues under data protection frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA, or other privacy legislation that mandates proper handling of personal information.
Apple's response to this vulnerability involved implementing improved redaction mechanisms across all affected platforms, with the fix being included in iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, tvOS 17.3, and watchOS 10.3. The remediation approach demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing information disclosure vulnerabilities through enhanced data sanitization processes. Organizations should immediately deploy these updates to protect their systems from potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix likely involves strengthening the logging subsystem to automatically identify and redact sensitive information including phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal identifiers before they are written to system log files. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing system logs to identify any potential exposure that may have occurred prior to the patch deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining robust information security practices including regular security assessments, proper log management, and continuous monitoring of system components for potential data exposure issues. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing comprehensive data protection measures throughout the entire system lifecycle, from development through deployment and ongoing maintenance. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are properly identified and addressed before they can be exploited by malicious actors.