CVE-2025-24261
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows applications to bypass file system protection mechanisms and modify protected areas. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma users who haven't applied security updates. The issue could enable malicious apps to tamper with system files or sensitive data.
💻 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 application gains full control over protected system files, potentially enabling persistence, data theft, or system compromise.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications modify user data or system configuration files to maintain persistence or evade detection.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and user permissions, impact is limited to specific protected areas accessible to the exploited app.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target system.
🛠️ 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
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allUse macOS privacy controls to restrict application access to protected file system areas
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized apps from executing
- Use macOS privacy controls to restrict file system access for all non-essential applications
🔍 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 file modification events in protected directories in system logs
- Console.app entries showing unauthorized file system access attempts
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators as this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event_type="file_modification" AND file_path CONTAINS "/System/" OR file_path CONTAINS "/Library/")