CVE-2025-24121 is a logic flaw identified in Apple macOS that allows an application with limited privileges to modify protected parts of the file system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate enforcement of access control checks within the operating system's file system management logic, categorized under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). This flaw could permit an app to bypass intended restrictions and alter system files or directories that are normally protected to maintain system integrity. The issue affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, and Sonoma 14.7.3. Exploitation requires local access with limited privileges (PR:L), does not require user interaction (UI:N), and does not affect confidentiality or availability but impacts integrity (I:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to the limited scope and complexity of exploitation. No public exploits or active attacks have been reported to date. The patch addresses the vulnerability by improving the logic checks that govern file system access permissions, preventing unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to implant persistent malicious code or modify system configurations, potentially aiding privilege escalation or evasion techniques.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24121 lies in the potential unauthorized modification of protected system files on macOS devices. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability, it undermines system integrity, which could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or persistence mechanisms. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, development, or security-sensitive environments may face increased risk if attackers exploit this flaw to implant malicious code or alter security configurations. The low CVSS score and lack of known exploits suggest limited immediate threat; however, unpatched systems remain vulnerable to insider threats or malware that gains local access. Given the widespread use of macOS in sectors like finance, media, and technology across Europe, failure to patch could expose sensitive infrastructure to integrity compromises, impacting trust and operational stability.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Expedite deployment of macOS updates to versions Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, or Sonoma 14.7.3 where the vulnerability is fixed. 2) Enforce strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection to limit execution of untrusted or unauthorized applications that could exploit this flaw. 3) Restrict local user privileges to the minimum necessary, reducing the risk of limited-privilege apps attempting unauthorized file system modifications. 4) Monitor system integrity using file integrity monitoring tools to detect unexpected changes in protected system files. 5) Conduct regular audits of macOS endpoints to ensure compliance with security policies and patch levels. 6) Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted software and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. These measures, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.