CVE-2025-24099
📋 TL;DR
This macOS privilege escalation vulnerability allows local attackers to gain elevated system privileges. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia versions before the patched releases. Users with local access to vulnerable systems can exploit this flaw.
💻 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 →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
Local attacker gains root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local user or malware elevates privileges to install additional payloads, modify system files, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and least privilege principles, impact is limited to isolated incidents with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and user interaction. Apple has addressed this with improved checks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122068
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user privileges
allLimit standard user accounts to prevent privilege escalation attempts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts
- Segment vulnerable systems and limit their access to critical resources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.3, Sonoma <14.7.3, or Sequoia <15.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm macOS version is Ventura 13.7.3+, Sonoma 14.7.3+, or Sequoia 15.3+ after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Unauthorized sudo or root access attempts
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local attack
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR event="sudo" OR user="root")