CVE-2025-24140 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
This issue was addressed through improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.3. Files downloaded from the internet may not have the quarantine flag applied.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-24140 represents a security oversight in macOS Sequoia 15.3 related to file quarantine flag implementation. This flaw affects how the operating system handles files downloaded from internet sources, specifically when these files fail to receive proper quarantine status. The quarantine flag serves as a critical security mechanism in macOS that prevents potentially malicious files from executing automatically and alerts users to the origin of downloaded content. When this flag is not properly applied, it creates a window of opportunity for attackers to bypass security controls that would normally prevent automatic execution of downloaded files. The issue was addressed through improved state management within the operating system's file handling processes, which ensures that files originating from internet sources receive appropriate quarantine status. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which covers information exposure, and represents a weakness in the system's ability to properly manage file states and security attributes. The flaw could potentially enable attackers to deliver malware through phishing campaigns or malicious downloads where the quarantine mechanism fails to activate. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability could be exploited through techniques categorized under ATT&CK tactic T1193, which involves phishing with malicious attachments. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file execution, as it undermines the fundamental security model of macOS that relies on quarantine flags to protect users from potentially harmful content. The fix implemented in macOS Sequoia 15.3 addresses the root cause by enhancing the state management logic that determines when and how quarantine flags should be applied to internet-downloaded files. This improvement ensures that all files originating from network sources undergo proper security assessment and receive appropriate quarantine status. The remediation approach demonstrates a focus on maintaining consistent security posture across all file handling operations, particularly those involving external content sources. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader macOS security management strategy, ensuring that all systems are updated to the patched version to maintain proper quarantine functionality. The issue highlights the importance of maintaining robust state management in operating systems where security attributes must be consistently applied to protect against various attack vectors. Security teams should monitor for any potential exploitation attempts that might leverage this quarantine flag bypass, particularly in environments where users frequently download content from untrusted sources. The implementation of improved state management represents a proactive approach to preventing similar vulnerabilities in file handling processes and reinforces the operating system's defense-in-depth strategy. This fix contributes to maintaining user trust in the operating system's security model while ensuring that all downloaded content undergoes appropriate security validation before execution. The resolution demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing security gaps in their operating system through systematic improvements to core security mechanisms that protect users from various threat actors.