CVE-2025-30457
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to create symbolic links to protected disk regions, potentially bypassing security restrictions. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma before specific patch versions. Users running unpatched macOS systems are 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
Complete system compromise allowing arbitrary file access, privilege escalation, and potential data exfiltration or destruction.
Likely Case
Malicious apps gaining unauthorized access to protected files, potentially stealing sensitive data or modifying system files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper app sandboxing and user permissions, but still a significant security bypass.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. Public disclosures suggest proof-of-concept exists.
🛠️ 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
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or identified developers
Enable Gatekeeper
macOSEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to block apps from unidentified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious symlink creation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > AboutCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version matches or exceeds patched versions: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual symlink creation events in system logs
- Processes accessing protected directories unexpectedly
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process where (event_type="process_start" and process_name contains "ln") and (process_args contains "-s") and (process_args matches "*/System/*" or process_args matches "*/private/*")