CVE-2025-30464 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. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking within kernel-level components that process application data inputs. When an application provides malformed or excessively large data structures to kernel functions, the system fails to properly validate memory boundaries before writing data. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate kernel memory structures through carefully crafted application inputs. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially bypass standard user-space protections and access privileged memory regions. The fix implemented in macOS versions 13.7.5, 14.7.5, and 15.4 addresses this by strengthening boundary validation mechanisms that monitor all data writes to kernel memory segments. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks targeting kernel memory corruption. When an application successfully exploits this flaw, it can cause unexpected system termination through kernel panic conditions or more subtly corrupt kernel memory structures that may lead to system instability. The corrupted kernel memory could potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges or manipulate system behavior in ways that compromise overall system integrity. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability to create persistent backdoors or to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The nature of kernel-level memory corruption means that even if the immediate impact appears as system crashes, the underlying memory corruption could provide opportunities for advanced persistent threats to establish footholds within the operating system. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials or system privileges to execute malicious code within kernel contexts.
Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched macOS versions to mitigate this vulnerability across their environments. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all affected macOS systems running versions prior to 13.7.5, 14.7.5, or 15.4. The patched versions include enhanced memory validation routines that monitor all kernel data writes and enforce strict boundary checks before any memory modification occurs. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted applications, as well as monitoring system logs for signs of kernel panic events or unexpected system restarts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit potential lateral movement if any system becomes compromised through this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing kernel memory integrity monitoring tools that can detect anomalous memory access patterns consistent with out-of-bounds write conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and highlights the critical need for continuous security monitoring in enterprise environments where macOS systems operate as both endpoints and potential targets for advanced persistent threats.