CVE-2025-24116
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS sandbox bypass vulnerability that allows applications to circumvent Privacy preferences. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems before specific patch versions. The vulnerability could enable apps to access restricted data or system resources without proper user consent.
💻 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
Malicious app gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data (contacts, photos, location) or system resources, potentially leading to data theft or further system compromise.
Likely Case
Legitimate but poorly secured apps inadvertently bypass privacy controls, potentially exposing user data to unintended access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to macOS sandboxing and other security layers preventing full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious or vulnerable application. No public exploit code identified in provided references.
🛠️ 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
macOSLimit app installations to App Store only to reduce risk of malicious apps.
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
Review Privacy Settings
macOSRegularly audit and restrict app permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which apps can run
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 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:
Confirm macOS version is Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privacy permission requests in system logs
- Apps accessing resources without corresponding user consent prompts
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - focus on endpoint behavior
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privacy_violation" OR app_requesting_permissions="*" AND user_consent="false")