CVE-2025-24273

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability in macOS kernel memory that allows an application to cause system crashes or corrupt kernel memory. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. Any user running vulnerable macOS versions is potentially affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • macOS
Versions: Ventura before 13.7.5, Sequoia before 15.4, Sonoma before 14.7.5
Operating Systems: macOS
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All standard macOS installations are vulnerable. No special configuration required for exploitation.

📦 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 compromise leading to kernel-level code execution, persistent malware installation, and total system control by attacker.

🟠

Likely Case

Application-triggered system crashes (kernel panics) resulting in denial of service and potential data loss from unsaved work.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited to denial of service if exploit attempts are detected and blocked by security controls.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM - Requires local application execution, but could be combined with other exploits for remote attack chains.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Local privilege escalation allows attackers with initial access to gain kernel privileges.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local application execution. No public exploit code available at disclosure time.

🛠️ 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

macOS

Restrict execution of untrusted applications using macOS 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 software
  • Isolate vulnerable systems from critical networks and monitor for abnormal system behavior

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. Compare against vulnerable versions.

Check Version:

sw_vers

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.5+, Sequoia 15.4+, or Sonoma 14.7.5+

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Kernel panic logs in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
  • Unexpected application crashes with kernel memory errors

Network Indicators:

  • None - local vulnerability only

SIEM Query:

source="macos" AND (event="kernel_panic" OR message="out of bounds" OR message="memory corruption")

🔗 References

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