CVE-2025-24114 is a permissions-related vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application with low privileges to modify protected parts of the file system. The root cause is a permissions issue that was insufficiently restrictive, enabling unauthorized write access to critical system areas. This vulnerability falls under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). The flaw does not require user interaction but does require local access with low privileges (AV:L/PR:L/UI:N). The impact is primarily on system integrity (I:H), with no direct confidentiality or availability impact. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, and Sonoma 14.7.3, where Apple implemented additional restrictions to address the issue. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious local actors or malware to alter system files, potentially leading to persistence, privilege escalation, or bypass of security controls. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the moderate risk due to the local attack vector and required privileges. The absence of user interaction lowers the complexity of exploitation once local access is obtained. This vulnerability underscores the criticality of enforcing strict file system permissions and access controls on macOS to protect system integrity.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to system integrity. An attacker or malicious app with local access and low privileges could modify protected system files, potentially enabling persistence mechanisms, privilege escalation, or disabling security features. This could lead to compromised endpoints, undermining trust in macOS devices within corporate environments. While confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, the integrity breach could facilitate further attacks or data manipulation. Organizations relying heavily on macOS systems, especially in sectors like finance, technology, and government, could face operational disruptions or targeted attacks exploiting this flaw. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity and ease of local exploitation necessitate prompt patching and monitoring. The threat is more relevant in environments where users have the ability to install or run untrusted applications or where insider threats exist.

1. Apply the latest security updates from Apple immediately, specifically macOS Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later versions that include the fix. 2. Restrict the installation and execution of applications to trusted sources using Apple’s Gatekeeper and MDM policies to reduce the risk of malicious apps gaining local access. 3. Implement strict endpoint protection measures that monitor and alert on unauthorized file system modifications, especially in protected system directories. 4. Enforce least privilege principles for user accounts to limit the ability of apps to gain low-level privileges needed to exploit this vulnerability. 5. Conduct regular audits of system integrity and file permissions to detect anomalies early. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and the importance of applying system updates promptly. 7. For organizations using macOS in critical environments, consider additional application whitelisting or sandboxing to contain potential exploits.