CVE-2025-24181
📋 TL;DR
A permissions vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma users who haven't applied security updates. The high CVSS score indicates critical severity requiring immediate attention.
💻 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 including passwords, financial information, personal documents, and system credentials, leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate applications could access user files, browser data, and application data that should be protected by macOS sandboxing and permissions systems.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting, least privilege principles, and network segmentation, impact is limited to isolated application data exposure rather than system-wide compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install/run a malicious application. No public exploit code is available, but the low complexity suggests weaponization is likely.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications using Gatekeeper and only install apps from trusted sources
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Enhanced Permissions Monitoring
allMonitor and audit application permissions using built-in macOS privacy controls
sudo tccutil reset All
Review System Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting and only permit trusted, signed applications
- Enable full disk encryption and implement data loss prevention controls to limit impact of data access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.5, Sequoia <15.4, or Sonoma <14.7.5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in unified logs
- Unexpected tccd (Transparency, Consent, and Control) permission requests
- Applications accessing protected directories without proper entitlements
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound data transfers from applications that shouldn't have network access
- DNS queries to suspicious domains from sandboxed applications
SIEM Query:
source="macos*" (event="file_access" AND path="/Users/*/Library/*" OR path="/private/var/*") | stats count by process_name