CVE-2025-24114
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS permissions vulnerability that allows applications to modify protected areas of the file system. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma users who haven't applied the latest security updates. The vulnerability could enable malicious apps to tamper with system files or sensitive data.
💻 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
A malicious application could gain unauthorized write access to critical system files, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or installation of persistent malware.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could modify user data or configuration files, leading to data corruption, privacy violations, or limited system instability.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to untrusted applications attempting unauthorized file modifications.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, 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 App Installation
macOSConfigure macOS to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run
- Use macOS Privacy & Security settings to limit file system access for applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.3, Sequoia <15.3, or Sonoma <14.7.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file modification events in protected directories
- Console.app logs showing unauthorized file access attempts
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="file_modification" AND file_path CONTAINS "/System/" OR file_path CONTAINS "/Library/")