CVE-2025-24277
📋 TL;DR
A directory path parsing vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass path validation and gain root privileges. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma before specific security updates. Any user running vulnerable macOS versions is potentially at risk.
💻 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 full root access to the system, enabling complete compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious applications or scripts exploit the vulnerability to elevate privileges and perform unauthorized actions with root permissions.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and application control, the risk is reduced to minimal as the vulnerability requires local application execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be executed locally. No public exploit code has been disclosed in the referenced advisories.
🛠️ 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
Restrict Application Execution
macOSLimit execution of untrusted applications through macOS security settings or third-party application control solutions.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications.
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts using endpoint detection tools.
🔍 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 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 logs
- Applications requesting root privileges without user interaction
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from privileged processes
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="sudo")