CVE-2025-24241
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to trick users into copying sensitive data to the system clipboard without proper authorization. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma users who haven't applied security updates. The high CVSS score reflects the potential for significant data exposure through user deception.
💻 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
Attackers could exfiltrate passwords, authentication tokens, financial data, or other sensitive information from memory or applications by tricking users into copying it to the clipboard.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in the App Store or downloaded from untrusted sources could harvest clipboard data containing passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information when users perform normal copy operations.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user awareness, the risk is reduced to low-privilege data exposure from trusted applications with limited permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (tricking user to copy data) and a malicious application. Public disclosures suggest proof-of-concept exists.
🛠️ 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 updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Clipboard Monitoring and Clearing
allRegularly clear clipboard data and use clipboard managers that show clipboard history
pbcopy < /dev/null
Application Restriction
allOnly install applications from trusted sources and App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent untrusted applications from running
- Educate users about clipboard security risks and discourage copying sensitive data
🔍 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:
- Unusual clipboard access patterns in system logs
- Multiple applications accessing pasteboard simultaneously
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections following clipboard operations
SIEM Query:
process:name="pbpaste" AND destination_ip:external