CVE-2025-24255 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
A file access 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 break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
This vulnerability represents a sandbox escape mechanism that allows malicious applications to bypass macOS security boundaries through improper file access controls. The issue stems from insufficient input validation in the operating system's file handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to system resources that should remain isolated within application sandboxes. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions including Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, indicating a widespread impact across the operating system's security model. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses inadequate validation of file paths that can lead to unauthorized access. The vulnerability enables an application to potentially access files and resources outside its designated sandbox environment, fundamentally undermining the principle of least privilege that is central to macOS security architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an application processes user input or file paths without proper validation, allowing crafted inputs to traverse directory boundaries and access restricted system files. This type of issue typically manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize file access requests, particularly when dealing with symbolic links, relative paths, or special characters that could manipulate the intended file access scope. Attackers could leverage this weakness by crafting malicious file operations that appear legitimate to the system but actually target protected resources. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055 - Process Injection and T1197 - BITS Jobs, as the exploitation could involve manipulating system processes or using legitimate system tools to achieve unauthorized access. The sandbox escape capability means that even applications with limited permissions could potentially access sensitive data, system configurations, or other applications' data stores, creating a significant escalation of privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it compromises the fundamental security model that protects user data and system integrity. When an application can break out of its sandbox, it essentially gains access to the full system resources that should be restricted, potentially enabling data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or even persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all applications running on the affected macOS versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple applications may be running simultaneously. Organizations should consider this as a critical security concern since it directly impacts the integrity of macOS's security architecture, which is designed to prevent applications from accessing resources they should not be able to reach. The issue represents a failure in the operating system's access control mechanisms, potentially allowing for privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest macOS versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all affected macOS systems and prioritize updates accordingly, particularly in environments where sensitive data is processed. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual file access patterns, enabling application whitelisting to restrict which applications can run on systems, and conducting regular security assessments to verify that sandbox boundaries remain intact. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious file access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause through enhanced input validation mechanisms that properly sanitize file access requests, preventing malicious inputs from bypassing security boundaries. This aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for access control and system integrity protection. Regular security awareness training for users should emphasize the importance of only installing software from trusted sources, as malicious applications designed to exploit such vulnerabilities could be distributed through compromised software channels.