CVE-2025-24199 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
An uncontrolled format string issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. An app may be able to cause a denial-of-service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24199 represents a critical uncontrolled format string issue that poses significant risks to macOS systems. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the operating system's core components, specifically affecting how format strings are processed and handled. Format string vulnerabilities occur when application code uses user-supplied data as format specifiers without proper sanitization, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate program execution flow. The issue affects multiple macOS versions including Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, indicating a widespread concern across the operating system's architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the system at risk through improper handling of format string parameters that are typically used for output formatting in programming languages like C and C++. When an application fails to validate user input before using it in format string operations, it opens pathways for attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can lead to memory corruption, stack manipulation, or arbitrary code execution. This particular flaw manifests as a denial-of-service condition, where an attacker can craft specific inputs that cause the targeted application to crash or become unresponsive, effectively disrupting normal system operations and user productivity.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2025-24199 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the system's attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, making it a well-documented weakness in software security practices. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially escalate their privileges or cause system-wide instability, particularly when targeting system-critical applications or services that process external inputs. The denial-of-service nature means that even a single compromised application could affect overall system availability and performance.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected macOS versions to mitigate this vulnerability. The fix implemented in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 demonstrates Apple's recognition of the severity of the issue and their commitment to maintaining system integrity. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any applications that might be susceptible to this format string manipulation, particularly those that handle user input without proper validation. Implementation of additional security controls including application whitelisting, input sanitization measures, and network monitoring can provide additional defense layers against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege to minimize potential attack surfaces within the operating system environment.