CVE-2025-24204
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data without proper authorization. It affects macOS systems running versions before Sequoia 15.4. The issue involves insufficient security checks that apps can exploit to read sensitive information.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of user privacy with access to sensitive personal data, credentials, financial information, and other protected files stored on the system.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in the App Store or downloaded from untrusted sources could access user documents, photos, contacts, and other personal data without user consent.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact would be limited to data accessible within the app's designated sandbox.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. The vulnerability is in the OS security layer that apps interact with.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sequoia 15.4 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly install apps from the Mac App Store or identified developers to reduce risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability.
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions to limit data access.
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Review app permissions for Files and Folders, Photos, Contacts, etc.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized apps from running
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious app behavior and data access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: If version is earlier than 15.4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.4 or later after update installation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Apps requesting permissions they shouldn't need
- Security framework violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound data transfers by applications
- Apps communicating with suspicious external servers
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event_category="file_access" OR event_category="permission_violation") AND app_name NOT IN (allowed_apps_list)