CVE-2025-24255
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows applications to escape their sandbox restrictions due to improper input validation. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems running outdated versions. Attackers could potentially gain elevated privileges or access restricted system resources.
💻 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 app gains full system access, installs persistent malware, steals sensitive data, or compromises the entire system.
Likely Case
Malicious app bypasses sandbox to access user files, install keyloggers, or perform unauthorized actions with elevated privileges.
If Mitigated
App remains contained within sandbox with limited impact due to other security controls like SIP, Gatekeeper, and file permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to run 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Click 'Update Now' if updates are available. 3. Follow prompts to download and install. 4. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
macOSOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers to reduce risk of malicious apps.
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
macOSReview and restrict Full Disk Access permissions for applications in System Settings.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to only permit trusted applications
- Use network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems from critical resources
🔍 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.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Console.app logs showing sandbox violations
- Unexpected process spawning from sandboxed apps
- File access attempts outside app container
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from sandboxed applications
- DNS requests to suspicious domains from app processes
SIEM Query:
process_name:("sandboxd" OR "xpcproxy") AND event_type:"violation" AND severity:high