CVE-2025-24118 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows a malicious application to cause unexpected system termination (crashes) or write arbitrary data into kernel memory. The root cause is improper memory handling, classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which can lead to memory corruption. This vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction to exploit, making it highly accessible to attackers. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of the affected system, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, system instability, or persistent control over the device at the kernel level. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, and iPadOS 17.7.4. Apple addressed the issue by improving memory handling to prevent out-of-bounds writes. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the vulnerability's critical nature due to network attack vector, no required privileges, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild yet, the potential for severe damage makes this a high-priority threat. Organizations relying on macOS devices should urgently apply the patches and monitor for any suspicious activity related to kernel memory manipulation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24118 is significant due to the widespread use of Apple devices in corporate environments, especially in sectors like finance, technology, media, and government. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, disrupt business operations through system crashes, or establish persistent footholds for further attacks. The ability to write to kernel memory elevates the risk of privilege escalation and bypassing security controls, potentially undermining endpoint security solutions. This vulnerability also threatens availability by causing system terminations, which could disrupt critical services. Given the critical CVSS score and ease of exploitation, unpatched macOS devices represent a high-value target for attackers aiming to infiltrate European networks. The impact is compounded in environments where macOS devices are integrated with sensitive infrastructure or handle regulated data under GDPR, increasing legal and compliance risks.

1. Immediately deploy the official patches released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, and iPadOS 17.7.4 across all affected devices. 2. Enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of apps to those from trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved repositories. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring kernel-level activities to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Regularly audit and inventory macOS devices within the organization to ensure no unpatched or unmanaged systems remain. 5. Educate users and IT staff about the risks associated with installing untrusted applications and the importance of timely updates. 6. Employ network segmentation to limit the spread of potential compromises originating from macOS endpoints. 7. Monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit code or attack campaigns related to this vulnerability.