CVE-2025-24267
📋 TL;DR
A permissions vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to escalate privileges to root access. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems before specific security updates. Users running unpatched versions are vulnerable to complete system compromise.
💻 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 takeover with root privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious applications gaining full system access to steal credentials, install backdoors, or encrypt files for ransomware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if application sandboxing and least privilege principles are strictly enforced, though root access remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to execute a malicious application. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed as of the available references.
🛠️ 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: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings. 2. Click General. 3. Click Software Update. 4. Install available security updates. 5. Verify installation by checking macOS version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface.
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of unknown applications.
- Enforce least privilege principles and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts.
🔍 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:
Confirm macOS version matches patched versions: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system.log
- sudo or authorization events from non-standard applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following application execution
SIEM Query:
source="system.log" AND "Authorization" AND "root" AND NOT process="standard_system_process"