CVE-2025-24153 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.3. An app with root privileges may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that exists within the macOS kernel execution environment. The flaw arises from inadequate memory handling mechanisms that fail to properly validate input boundaries when processing data structures within privileged contexts. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running macOS Sequoia 15.3 and earlier versions where the kernel's memory management routines do not sufficiently protect against overflows during data processing operations. The issue manifests when applications operating with root privileges attempt to interact with kernel memory spaces, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in memory boundary checking mechanisms within the kernel's input processing pipeline. When an application with root privileges submits malformed data to kernel functions, the insufficient buffer size validation allows memory corruption to occur beyond intended boundaries. This memory corruption can overwrite critical kernel data structures, function pointers, or control flow information, enabling an attacker to redirect execution flow and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the highest privilege level available to the system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflows, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the memory handling deficiencies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise potential. An attacker who can successfully exploit this condition gains kernel-level privileges that provide unrestricted access to all system resources, data, and functionality. This includes the ability to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, and disable security mechanisms. The attack vector requires only an application with root privileges to be present on the system, which significantly broadens the exploitation surface since root access is often obtained through legitimate administrative activities or compromised privileged accounts. The vulnerability presents a direct pathway for attackers to bypass all kernel-level security controls and implement sophisticated persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational security enhancements. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to macOS Sequoia 15.3 or later versions where the memory handling improvements have been implemented to address the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected systems, particularly those running privileged applications or services. Additional protective measures include implementing strict application whitelisting policies to minimize root access exposure, conducting regular privilege audits to identify unnecessary root execution, and deploying runtime application protection solutions that can detect and prevent buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches as a fundamental security control. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around kernel memory access operations and privilege elevation events.