CVE-2025-24093
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS permissions vulnerability where applications can access removable storage volumes without user consent. It affects macOS Ventura and Sonoma systems before specific patch versions. The vulnerability allows potential data theft or malware execution from external drives.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app could exfiltrate sensitive data from connected USB drives, install persistent malware, or compromise system integrity by accessing system files.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications could silently access files on connected external storage devices, potentially stealing documents, credentials, or other sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and user awareness, impact is limited to unauthorized file access from removable media only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be running on the target system. No authentication bypass needed beyond app execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122069
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic mounting of removable volumes
macOSPrevent automatic mounting of external drives to reduce attack surface
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/autodiskmount AutomountDisksWithoutUserLogin -bool false
Use application sandboxing policies
macOSRestrict application permissions through MDM or configuration profiles
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from running
- Educate users to avoid connecting untrusted removable media and to only run trusted applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura < 13.7.3 or Sonoma < 14.7.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.3 or later, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual volume mount events in system.log
- Application accessing removable volumes without user prompts in security logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected data transfers to external storage devices
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" event="volume_mount" OR event="filesystem_access" AND destination="removable"