CVE-2025-24273 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. 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 cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that affects multiple versions of Apple's macOS operating system including Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 14.7.5, and Sonoma 14.7.5. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the kernel-level components of the operating system, creating a pathway for malicious applications to exploit memory boundaries and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, which are particularly dangerous when they occur within kernel space as they can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows an attacker-controlled application to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended boundaries of allocated buffers or data structures. When the system processes data without proper validation of array indices or buffer limits, it can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting kernel data structures or executing malicious code in kernel space. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because kernel memory corruption can result in system crashes, unexpected termination of critical processes, or more sinisterly, provide attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates potential attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries who could exploit the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This capability enables attackers to bypass standard security controls, install persistent backdoors, or extract sensitive information from the system. The fix implemented in the patched versions addresses the root cause by introducing enhanced bounds checking mechanisms that validate all memory access operations before allowing them to proceed. These mitigations ensure that any attempt to write beyond allocated memory boundaries will be detected and prevented, thereby protecting the integrity of kernel memory space.
Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched macOS versions to mitigate this vulnerability, as the potential for exploitation remains high given the nature of kernel-level memory corruption issues. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for unusual system behavior or unexpected termination patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date operating system patches and implementing comprehensive memory safety practices in kernel-level code development. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all endpoints are properly updated to prevent unauthorized access through this memory corruption pathway.