CVE-2025-24106 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an attacker to cause an unexpected termination of an application by parsing a specially crafted file. The root cause lies in insufficient validation or checks during file parsing, which leads to application crashes, effectively a denial-of-service condition. This vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, and Sonoma 14.7.3, where Apple has implemented improved checks to address the issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, reflecting a medium severity level. The vector indicates that the attack can be performed remotely (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), and the impact is limited to availability (A:H) with no confidentiality or integrity impact. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The vulnerability could be exploited by tricking a user into opening or processing a maliciously crafted file, causing the targeted application to crash unexpectedly, potentially disrupting workflows or services relying on that application. Although this does not allow code execution or data compromise, the denial-of-service effect can be significant in environments where application availability is critical.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24106 is the potential disruption of business operations due to unexpected application crashes on macOS systems. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and creative industries that rely heavily on Apple devices for daily operations could experience productivity losses or service interruptions. While the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized access, denial of service can indirectly affect operational continuity and user trust. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using macOS devices are also at risk if users inadvertently open malicious files from untrusted sources. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity score and ease of exploitation via user interaction necessitate timely patching to prevent potential targeted attacks or widespread disruption.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24106, European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to versions Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Implement strict policies to restrict file downloads and email attachments from untrusted or unknown sources, reducing the likelihood of users encountering malicious files. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking suspicious file parsing activities. Educate users about the risks of opening files from unverified origins and encourage cautious behavior when handling unexpected or unsolicited files. Additionally, monitor application logs and system stability to detect any unusual crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. For critical environments, consider application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the impact of potential crashes. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving denial-of-service via application crashes.