CVE-2025-24096
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS vulnerability where a malicious application can bypass file access restrictions and read arbitrary files on the system. It affects macOS systems before Sequoia 15.3. The vulnerability stems from improper state management in the operating system's security controls.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could access sensitive system files, user documents, credentials, or other protected data, potentially leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or system compromise.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications could access user files and sensitive data stored on the system, violating privacy and potentially stealing credentials or personal information.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to untrusted applications that manage to bypass macOS security mechanisms.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target macOS system. The vulnerability involves bypassing macOS sandbox and file access restrictions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122068
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings. 2. Click General. 3. Click Software Update. 4. Install macOS Sequoia 15.3 update. 5. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict application installation
allOnly install applications from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Enable full disk access restrictions
allConfigure macOS privacy settings to restrict application access to files and folders
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
- Use macOS privacy controls to restrict file access for all non-essential applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 15.3, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.3 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Applications accessing files outside their normal scope
- Security framework denials followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos*" (event_type="file_access" AND process_path NOT IN [expected_applications])