CVE-2025-24153
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS allows applications with root privileges to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could lead to complete system compromise. Only macOS systems before Sequoia 15.3 are affected.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover with kernel-level persistence, allowing attackers to install rootkits, bypass all security controls, and access all data on the system.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from root to kernel, enabling installation of persistent malware, credential theft, and lateral movement within the environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and least privilege principles are followed, though kernel compromise remains severe.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires root privileges first, making this a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than initial access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.3
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 macOS Sequoia 15.3 update. 5. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict root access
allLimit which applications and users have root privileges to reduce attack surface
sudo dscl . -append /Groups/admin GroupMembership username
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control to prevent unauthorized applications from running with root privileges
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual root activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if before Sequoia 15.3, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Sequoia 15.3 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual kernel module loading
- Suspicious root privilege escalation attempts
- Unexpected system calls from root processes
Network Indicators:
- None specific to this vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="kernel_task" AND abnormal_behavior)