CVE-2025-24176
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS where improper permission validation allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges. Affected systems include macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. This requires local access to the system.
💻 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
An attacker with local access could gain root privileges, potentially compromising the entire system, accessing sensitive data, installing persistent malware, or bypassing security controls.
Likely Case
A malicious user or malware with local access could elevate privileges to perform unauthorized actions, install additional payloads, or access restricted resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to the specific user context, though privilege escalation remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and some technical knowledge. No public proof-of-concept has been identified in the 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: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings. 2. Click General. 3. Click Software Update. 4. Install available updates. 5. Alternatively, use terminal: sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to affected systems through access controls and user management.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts.
- Isolate affected systems from critical networks and implement application allowlisting to prevent malicious execution.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: sw_vers -productVersion. If version is before Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_vers -productVersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is at least Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 using sw_vers -productVersion.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Sudden changes in user privilege levels
- Unusual process execution with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR user_change="root" OR process_elevation="true")