CVE-2025-24228 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. 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 execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
This buffer overflow vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Apple's macOS operating system that could enable malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms that fail to properly validate buffer boundaries during memory operations. According to Apple's security advisory, the issue affects multiple macOS versions including Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, indicating this flaw has persisted across several major releases and represents a significant concern for system integrity. The technical nature of the vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, which specifically addresses issues where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to bypass kernel security mechanisms and gain unauthorized administrative access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple memory corruption, as it fundamentally compromises the security model that macOS employs to protect against malicious code execution. When an application can leverage a buffer overflow to gain kernel privileges, it essentially breaks the isolation that separates user-space applications from the core operating system functions. This represents a complete failure of the system's privilege separation mechanisms and allows for complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1068 category, specifically targeting the kernel as the target of exploitation. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or manipulate system processes without detection, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and users handling confidential information.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of the security updates provided by Apple, specifically versions 13.7.5 for Ventura, 14.7.5 for Sonoma, and 15.4 for Sequoia. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected macOS installations to prevent exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity, and ensuring that endpoint protection solutions are configured to detect potential buffer overflow exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify any systems that may not have received the updates, as the exploitation of this flaw could result in complete system compromise. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing improved memory handling techniques that properly validate buffer boundaries and prevent overflow conditions, thereby restoring the intended security boundaries between user applications and kernel space operations.