CVE-2025-24246 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
An injection issue was addressed with improved 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 access user-sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical injection flaw that enables unauthorized access to user-sensitive data through improper input validation mechanisms. 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 ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user inputs, which allows malicious applications to exploit injection vectors that could lead to data exposure. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-74 category of "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The security implications extend beyond simple data access, as this vulnerability could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the affected systems. The fix implemented in the updated macOS versions demonstrates Apple's recognition of the severity of this issue and the need for immediate remediation.
The technical nature of this injection vulnerability suggests that applications may be able to manipulate input validation controls to gain access to sensitive user data that should normally be protected. This could involve exploiting weaknesses in how the system processes user inputs, potentially allowing malicious code execution or unauthorized data retrieval. The vulnerability's classification as an injection issue indicates that it likely involves manipulation of input streams that are then processed by system components without proper sanitization. The fact that this affects multiple macOS versions suggests that the underlying flaw exists in core system validation mechanisms rather than being isolated to specific applications. This type of vulnerability often stems from inadequate parameter validation, improper input filtering, or insufficient sanitization of data before it is processed by system components. The ATT&CK framework identifies similar vulnerabilities under techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, highlighting the potential for broader exploitation beyond simple data exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond immediate data access concerns, as it could enable attackers to compromise user privacy and potentially gain deeper system access. Organizations running affected macOS versions face increased risk of data breaches, especially in environments where sensitive information is processed or stored. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation means that attackers could potentially move laterally within networks or gain elevated system privileges. Security teams must consider the implications of this vulnerability when assessing their overall security posture and may need to implement additional monitoring or access controls to mitigate potential exploitation. The fix in the updated macOS versions addresses the core validation issues but organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting or additional sandboxing measures to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing injection attacks and highlights the need for continuous security updates and patch management processes.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of the available macOS updates, which address the root cause validation issues. Organizations should also implement enhanced monitoring for suspicious application behavior or unusual data access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation, enforcing strict access controls, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs to detect potential unauthorized data access. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any applications that may be particularly susceptible to this type of injection attack. The implementation of automated patch management systems can help ensure that all affected systems receive updates promptly. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious injection attempts. Regular security training for users about recognizing potentially malicious applications remains crucial, as social engineering attacks often accompany technical exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and the potential consequences of delayed remediation efforts.