CVE-2025-24239
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS code-signing downgrade vulnerability that allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data. It affects macOS systems before Sequoia 15.4. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation through improper code-signing validation.
💻 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
Malicious app gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data including keychain, passwords, documents, and system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications bypass macOS security controls to access user data they shouldn't have permissions for, enabling data theft or further system exploitation.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, impact is limited to isolated data access rather than full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install/run malicious app. No public exploit code available as of analysis.
🛠️ 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
allConfigure macOS to only allow apps from App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
allConfigure Privacy & Security settings to restrict app access to sensitive data
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which apps can run
- Use macOS Privacy controls to limit app access to sensitive data locations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if earlier than Sequoia 15.4, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.4 or later and check that code-signing restrictions are properly enforced📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Console.app logs showing unexpected app access to protected directories
- Security framework logs with code-signing validation failures
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from newly installed applications
- Data exfiltration patterns from user data directories
SIEM Query:
source="macos*" ("code-signing" OR "entitlement" OR "sandbox") AND ("bypass" OR "violation" OR "unauthorized")