CVE-2025-24136
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to create symbolic links to protected disk regions, potentially bypassing security restrictions. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma before specific patch versions. Users who haven't updated their macOS are vulnerable to this symlink validation 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
Malicious app could access or modify sensitive system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious app circumvents sandboxing or file access restrictions to read/write protected files it shouldn't access.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, impact limited to isolated app sandbox breaches.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires user to run malicious app. Public disclosure suggests exploit code may be available. References include Full Disclosure mailing list posts.
🛠️ 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 macOS updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
macOSOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers in Gatekeeper settings
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Monitor Symlink Creation
macOSUse fs_usage or similar tools to monitor suspicious symlink creation
sudo fs_usage -w -f filesys
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use endpoint detection to monitor for suspicious symlink creation patterns
🔍 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 symlink creation in system logs
- App sandbox violations related to file access
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="symlink" OR event="sandbox_violation") AND process="*malicious*"