CVE-2025-24174
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privacy preference bypass vulnerability in macOS that allows applications to circumvent user-configured privacy settings. Affected systems include macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. This could enable apps to access protected 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 applications could access sensitive user data (camera, microphone, location, contacts, files) without user consent, leading to privacy violations and potential data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Legitimate but poorly secured applications might inadvertently bypass privacy controls, or malicious apps could access limited protected resources.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user vigilance, impact is limited to applications that users choose to install, with system prompts still appearing in some cases.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install and run a malicious application. No known public exploits at this time.
🛠️ 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
Restrict App Installation Sources
macOSConfigure macOS to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
1. Open System Settings 2. Click Privacy & Security 3. Under Security, select 'App Store' or 'App Store and identified developers'
Review Privacy Permissions
macOSRegularly audit and revoke unnecessary app permissions
1. Open System Settings 2. Click Privacy & Security 3. Review each category (Camera, Microphone, Location, etc.) and remove unnecessary app access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run
- Educate users to only install applications from trusted sources and review privacy permissions carefully
🔍 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:
After update, verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privacy permission grants in system logs
- Applications accessing protected resources without recent user prompts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privacy_access" OR event="tcc_access") AND status="granted" AND app NOT IN (expected_apps_list)