CVE-2025-24197
📋 TL;DR
A logic vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass intended access controls and access sensitive user data. This affects macOS systems running versions before Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have a malicious application installed on the target 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious applications could access sensitive user data including passwords, personal documents, financial information, or other protected data stored on the system.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could access user data they shouldn't normally have permission to access, potentially leading to data theft or privacy violations.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to trusted applications that might have unintended access to data they shouldn't see.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. The vulnerability involves logic flaws in access control checks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.8 or macOS Sequoia 15.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125111
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install the available update for macOS Sonoma 14.8 or macOS Sequoia 15.7. 3. Restart your Mac when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSRestrict installation of untrusted applications using macOS security settings
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Allow applications downloaded from: App Store and identified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications
- Use macOS privacy controls to limit application access to sensitive data categories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to protected data directories
- Applications requesting permissions they shouldn't need
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - detection would require endpoint monitoring of application behavior