CVE-2025-24265
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in macOS that could allow a malicious application to cause a system crash or unexpected termination. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. The vulnerability has a critical CVSS score of 9.8, indicating high severity.
💻 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
Complete system crash leading to denial of service, potential data loss, and system instability requiring reboot.
Likely Case
Application-induced system crash causing temporary denial of service and potential disruption of active work.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched; unpatched systems remain vulnerable to application-induced crashes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires running a malicious application 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent untrusted applications from running.
- Isolate vulnerable systems from critical networks and monitor for unusual application behavior.
🔍 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 is Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs, unexpected system termination events in system.log
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="system.log" AND ("panic" OR "unexpected termination" OR "kernel")