CVE-2025-24122
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a downgrade vulnerability in Intel-based Mac computers that could allow malicious applications to bypass code-signing restrictions and modify protected parts of the file system. The vulnerability affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before specific security updates. Users running affected macOS versions on Intel-based Macs are at risk.
💻 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 app could gain elevated privileges, modify critical system files, install persistent malware, or compromise system integrity.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass security controls to access or modify sensitive files they shouldn't have access to.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; with application allowlisting and user education, risk is significantly reduced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to execute malicious application; exploitation details not publicly documented.
🛠️ 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 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Educate users about risks of downloading and executing untrusted software
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version and processor type: 1. Click Apple menu > About This Mac 2. Verify macOS version is before patched versions 3. Verify processor is Intel-basedCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized file system modifications in protected areas
- Unexpected code-signing validation failures
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event="file_modification" AND path CONTAINS "/System/" OR path CONTAINS "/Library/")