CVE-2025-30442
📋 TL;DR
A macOS privilege escalation vulnerability allows malicious applications to gain elevated system privileges through improper input sanitization. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia systems before specific security updates. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of local privilege escalation attacks.
💻 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 compromise with root-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, access all user data, and modify system configurations.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains elevated privileges to access protected system resources or user data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and user account controls in place, though privilege escalation may still occur within the user's context.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to execute malicious code. The vulnerability involves input sanitization issues that could be leveraged for privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6
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 security updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
User Account Control
allUse standard user accounts instead of administrator accounts for daily use
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use standard user accounts with limited privileges for daily operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.6, Sonoma <14.7.6, or Sequoia <15.4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.6, Sonoma 14.7.6, or Sequoia 15.4 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Unauthorized sudo or root access attempts
- Suspicious application execution with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="sudo" OR user="root") AND NOT expected_application