CVE-2025-24278
📋 TL;DR
A symlink validation vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass file system protections and access protected user data. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. The vulnerability requires local application execution to exploit.
💻 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 could access sensitive user data including keychain items, passwords, documents, and other protected files that should be isolated by macOS sandboxing and permissions.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications could exfiltrate user data, potentially leading to credential theft, privacy violations, or data breaches.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to trusted applications that become compromised.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be executed on the target system. No public exploit code has been identified in the provided 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: 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
macOSUse macOS privacy controls to restrict application access to sensitive directories
Application Allowlisting
macOSOnly allow execution of signed applications from trusted developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use macOS Privacy & Security settings to restrict application access to sensitive directories
🔍 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:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications, particularly to protected directories
- Security framework denials related to symlink operations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound data transfers from applications that shouldn't access sensitive data
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="file_access" OR event_type="security_denial") AND (target_path CONTAINS "/Library/Keychains/" OR target_path CONTAINS "~/Library/")