CVE-2025-24164

Root

Cause CVE-2025-24164 is a logic issue in macOS that was addressed with improved checks. The flaw allowed an app to bypass file system protections and modify areas normally restricted by System Integrity Protection (SIP) or sandbox policies. Apple resolved it by adding validation to ensure only authorized processes can write to protected paths [1][2][3].

Attack

Vector A malicious application running on an affected macOS version (Ventura 13.7.5 and earlier, Sonoma 14.7.5 and earlier, Sequoia 15.4 and earlier) could exploit this logic error without requiring additional entitlements. The attack does not require physical access; any app downloaded from the App Store or sideloaded could trigger the vulnerability if it gains code execution in the user context. No user interaction beyond launching the app is necessary [1][3].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows the app to modify protected parts of the file system, which may include altering system binaries, configuration files, or other data that should be read-only. This could lead to privilege escalation or persistent tampering with system behavior. Apple rates the severity as Medium with a CVSS v3 score of 5.5, reflecting the local attack vector and requirement for app execution [2].

Mitigation

Apple has released fixes in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, all on March 31, 2025. Users should update to these versions via System Settings > Software Update. No workarounds are documented; the vulnerability is closed by installing the latest security updates from Apple [1][2][3].