CVE-2025-24258
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions escalation vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to gain root privileges. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific patch versions. Any user running vulnerable macOS versions is potentially affected.
💻 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
An attacker gains complete root control over the system, enabling installation of persistent malware, data theft, and full system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious applications or compromised legitimate apps escalate to root privileges, bypassing security controls and gaining unauthorized access.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact is limited to specific applications rather than full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to run a malicious application. Public disclosure suggests exploit details are available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, macOS Sequoia 15.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict application execution
macOSLimit execution of untrusted applications using Gatekeeper and application allowlisting
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use standard user accounts instead of admin accounts for daily use to limit privilege escalation impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.6, Sonoma <14.7.6, or Sequoia <15.4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.6, Sonoma 14.7.6, or Sequoia 15.4 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Applications running with root privileges that normally shouldn't
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from root processes
SIEM Query:
process.parent.name="*" AND process.name="*" AND process.elevated_token=true AND process.integrity_level="System"