CVE-2025-24238 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. An app may be able to gain elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a logic flaw in Apple's operating systems that could potentially allow malicious applications to escalate their privileges beyond normal security boundaries. The issue was identified as a weakness in the system's privilege management mechanisms, where proper validation checks were insufficient to prevent unauthorized access to elevated system resources. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including macOS Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, indicating a widespread concern across the Apple ecosystem that required coordinated patching efforts. The fix implemented by Apple addresses what is classified as a privilege escalation vulnerability, which falls under the category of logic issues that can be exploited to bypass normal security controls.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient privilege verification mechanisms within the operating system's core security architecture. Attackers could potentially craft malicious applications that exploit this logic flaw to gain elevated privileges, essentially allowing them to operate with administrator-level access or system-level permissions that should normally be restricted to legitimate system processes or authorized applications. This type of vulnerability represents a significant concern in cybersecurity as privilege escalation attacks can provide attackers with complete control over affected systems, enabling them to modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire enterprise environments where Apple devices are deployed. Organizations relying on Apple's mobile and desktop platforms for business operations face increased risk of unauthorized system access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's presence across multiple operating system versions means that organizations must ensure comprehensive patch management across all affected platforms to maintain security posture. Security teams should prioritize this vulnerability in their assessment of risk exposure, particularly in environments where Apple devices handle sensitive information or serve critical business functions. The fix implemented by Apple represents a defensive measure that strengthens the system's access control mechanisms and reinforces proper privilege validation procedures.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of the patched operating system versions across all affected devices. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular security updates, continuous monitoring for exploitation attempts, and verification that all systems have been successfully patched. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around system access patterns and privilege-related events. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional controls such as application whitelisting, enhanced monitoring of system processes, and regular security audits to detect potential compromise. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the critical need for organizations to have robust update management processes in place to protect against known vulnerabilities that could be exploited for privilege escalation purposes.