CVE-2025-24130 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3. An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant privilege escalation flaw in apple's macOS operating system that allows malicious applications to bypass critical file system protections. The issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that permit unauthorized modification of protected system components, creating a pathway for attackers to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions including Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, and Sonoma 14.7.3, indicating a widespread concern across the apple ecosystem that required immediate attention. The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within the realm of operating system security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources.
The underlying technical flaw involves inadequate access control validation within the file system protection mechanisms. When an application attempts to modify protected system areas, the system should enforce strict authorization checks that verify both the application's entitlements and the user's privileges. However, this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in that validation process, allowing applications to potentially modify protected directories, system files, or configuration settings that should be restricted to system processes or administrators. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that is essential for operating system security. The issue aligns with common weakness enumerations such as cwe-284, which addresses improper access control, and cwe-732, which covers incorrect permissions for critical resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system modification, as it creates opportunities for persistent malware deployment and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw to install malicious code in protected areas, modify system integrity checks, or establish backdoors that survive system restarts. The ability to modify protected file system components provides attackers with a powerful foothold that could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where macOS systems are used to store sensitive data and where maintaining system integrity is paramount for security operations. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability could be exploited through seemingly legitimate applications, making detection more challenging.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, which include macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.3. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unauthorized file system modifications, and conducting regular security audits of system integrity. The mitigation approach should align with attack tactics and techniques described in the attack framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls that can detect anomalous file system access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the root cause by strengthening the access control validation mechanisms, ensuring that all file system operations are properly authenticated and authorized before proceeding with modifications to protected areas.