CVE-2025-24228
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems before specific security updates. Attackers could gain complete control of affected systems.
💻 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
Complete system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement across networks.
Likely Case
Malicious applications exploiting this to gain elevated privileges, install backdoors, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are patched, applications are from trusted sources only, and proper endpoint protection is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to execute a malicious application. No public exploit code available at time of analysis.
🛠️ 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 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available security updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Application Sources
macOSOnly allow applications from App Store and identified developers in System Settings > Privacy & Security
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with behavioral monitoring for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 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 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Processes running with unexpected root privileges
- Console.app logs showing memory access violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from kernel-level processes
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="process_creation" AND parent_process="kernel_task") OR (event_type="privilege_escalation")