CVE-2025-24229
📋 TL;DR
A sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS allows sandboxed applications to bypass security restrictions and access sensitive user data. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of data exposure from malicious or compromised applications.
💻 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 sandboxed app gains full access to user's personal files, credentials, browsing history, and other sensitive data stored on the system.
Likely Case
Compromised legitimate app or malware bypasses sandbox restrictions to access user documents, photos, or other personal data.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, risk is limited to potential data exposure from trusted-but-compromised applications.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory dates.
🛠️ 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: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available macOS updates. 3. Verify installation by checking macOS version in About This Mac.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Third-Party Applications
macOSLimit installation and execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface.
Enable Gatekeeper Strict Mode
macOSConfigure macOS to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers.
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run on vulnerable systems
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for sandbox escape attempts and unusual file access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in About This Mac. 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 About This Mac.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by sandboxed applications
- Console logs showing sandbox violation warnings or errors
- Application crashes related to sandbox mechanisms
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from sandboxed applications attempting to exfiltrate data
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event_type="file_access" AND process_sandbox="true" AND file_path CONTAINS "/Users/") OR (event_type="process" AND sandbox_escape="attempted")