CVE-2025-24185
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in macOS file parsing that could allow an attacker to cause unexpected application termination. The vulnerability affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia users who open maliciously crafted files. Apple has addressed this with improved input validation in security updates.
💻 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
Potential arbitrary code execution leading to full system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities, though Apple's description suggests only app termination.
Likely Case
Denial of service through application crashes when parsing malicious files.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are patched to the fixed versions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious files. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.3, 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 security updates. 3. Restart your Mac when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file types
allConfigure applications to only open trusted file types from verified sources
User education
allTrain users to avoid opening files from untrusted sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to restrict which applications can open files
- Use network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems from untrusted networks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.3, Sonoma <14.7.3, or Sequoia <15.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.3, Sonoma 14.7.3, or Sequoia 15.3 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crash logs related to file parsing
- Console logs showing unexpected process termination
Network Indicators:
- File downloads from untrusted sources followed by application crashes
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event="process_crash" OR event="application_terminated") AND process_name IN ("Preview", "Finder", "TextEdit")