CVE-2025-24277 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path 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 gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical path parsing flaw that could enable privilege escalation attacks on macOS systems. The issue stems from inadequate validation of directory paths within the operating system's file handling mechanisms, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit. 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 macOS ecosystem. The flaw allows an application to potentially gain root privileges, which represents a severe security risk that could compromise entire system operations and data integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write patterns, where improper path validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate system paths and execute unauthorized operations. The issue demonstrates how seemingly benign path handling functions can become critical attack vectors when insufficient validation mechanisms are implemented. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious directory paths that bypass normal security checks, ultimately leading to privilege escalation from standard user to root level access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where macOS systems are prevalent. The ability to gain root privileges through path parsing issues creates opportunities for persistent threats to establish footholds, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data without detection. The fix implemented in the specified macOS versions addresses the core path validation logic to prevent such exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent potential compromise, particularly in environments where applications with elevated privileges might be present.
The mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the security updates provided in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all affected macOS systems and ensure timely patch deployment. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect any suspicious path manipulation activities or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing principle of least privilege and regular security assessments of macOS applications to prevent exploitation of similar path traversal issues. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts.