CVE-2025-24107
📋 TL;DR
A permissions vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows malicious applications to escalate privileges to root access. This affects macOS, tvOS, watchOS, iOS, and iPadOS users running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with root-level persistence, data theft, backdoor installation, and lateral movement capabilities.
Likely Case
Malicious app gains full system control, enabling data exfiltration, surveillance, and credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper app vetting and security controls, but still significant if malicious app bypasses app store review.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install malicious application. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.3, tvOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122066
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from official App Store and trusted developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Processes running with root privileges from user applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
SIEM Query:
process.parent.name: * AND process.user: root AND process.parent.user != root