CVE-2025-24096 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows a malicious application to access arbitrary files on the system. The root cause is improper state management within the operating system, which fails to enforce adequate access controls when handling file operations initiated by applications. This flaw enables an attacker to bypass normal file access restrictions, potentially reading sensitive user or system files without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires local attacker presence and user interaction, such as running or installing a malicious app, but does not require prior authentication or administrative rights. The issue was addressed and fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.3 through improved state management mechanisms that correctly validate file access requests. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting medium severity, with a vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). No known exploits have been reported in the wild so far. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), emphasizing the failure to properly authorize file access requests. This vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality, as unauthorized file reads can expose sensitive data such as credentials, personal information, or proprietary files. The flaw does not allow modification or deletion of files, nor does it disrupt system availability. The affected versions are all macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.3, which includes a broad user base of Apple desktop and laptop users worldwide. The fix involves enhanced state management to ensure that file access requests are properly authorized before granting access, preventing malicious apps from exploiting this flaw.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24096 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information due to arbitrary file access by malicious applications. This can lead to exposure of personal user data, corporate intellectual property, credentials, and other confidential files stored on macOS devices. For organizations, this vulnerability can facilitate insider threats or targeted attacks by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained local access. The confidentiality breach could enable further attacks such as credential theft, espionage, or data leakage. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, it does not allow attackers to modify or delete data or disrupt system operations directly. However, the confidentiality impact alone can have severe consequences, especially for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments where users may install untrusted applications or where attackers have physical or remote desktop access. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation. Organizations with macOS endpoints should consider this vulnerability a significant risk to data confidentiality and prioritize patching to prevent potential data breaches.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24096, organizations and users should promptly update all affected macOS systems to version Sequoia 15.3 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit the installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious app deployment. Implementing endpoint protection solutions that monitor and block suspicious file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. User education is critical to prevent inadvertent installation or execution of malicious apps, emphasizing caution with unknown software sources. Employing least privilege principles by restricting user permissions can reduce the impact of local attacks. Regular audits of file access logs and system behavior can help identify anomalous activity indicative of exploitation. For environments requiring high security, consider using macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and sandboxing to limit app capabilities. Network segmentation and limiting physical access to devices further reduce the risk of local attacks. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of macOS devices and ensure timely deployment of security updates as part of a robust patch management process.