CVE-2025-24232 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
This issue was addressed through improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. A malicious app may be able to access arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical file access flaw that emerged within Apple's macOS operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to the aforementioned security updates. The issue stems from inadequate state management within the system's file access controls, creating a potential pathway for malicious applications to bypass normal security boundaries and access files they should not be permitted to read. The vulnerability was identified as a state management weakness that allowed unauthorized file access through improper handling of application permissions and file system contexts.
The technical flaw manifests in how the operating system manages the state of file access permissions across different application contexts and user sessions. When applications attempt to access files, the system should maintain strict boundaries between what each application can access based on its permissions and the user's security context. However, this vulnerability allowed a malicious application to exploit a flaw in state transition handling, potentially enabling it to access files outside its designated scope. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at a fundamental level of the operating system's security architecture, where proper state management should prevent such unauthorized access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could enable attackers to gather sensitive information from users' systems. A malicious application could potentially access personal documents, system configuration files, or other sensitive data that should remain protected by the operating system's security model. This flaw could be exploited through social engineering attacks where users unknowingly install malicious applications that then leverage this vulnerability to access arbitrary files. The implications are significant for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently install compromised software, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise.
The fix implemented by Apple addresses this vulnerability through enhanced state management protocols that properly enforce file access boundaries between applications and system resources. The updates to macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 include improvements to how the operating system tracks application state and manages file access permissions. These patches ensure that when applications request file access, the system properly validates the request against established security boundaries and maintains proper state transitions that prevent unauthorized access. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE database under weakness categories related to improper state management and access control violations.
Organizations should prioritize deploying these security updates immediately across all affected macOS systems to prevent potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation approach taken by Apple demonstrates proper vulnerability management practices that align with industry standards for operating system security updates. Security teams should monitor for any attempts to exploit this vulnerability through threat intelligence feeds and ensure that endpoint protection solutions are updated to detect potential malicious applications attempting to leverage this flaw. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current operating system versions and following security best practices such as implementing least privilege access controls and regular security assessments.
This vulnerability type falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique for privilege escalation and credential access, specifically addressing the concept of accessing files and resources without proper authorization. The fix represents a critical security improvement that addresses a fundamental weakness in the operating system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust state management in security-critical systems and the need for continuous security testing and validation of operating system components. Organizations should review their security policies and procedures to ensure they are prepared to respond to similar vulnerabilities in other operating systems and applications that may present similar state management challenges.