CVE-2025-24122 is a vulnerability identified in Intel-based Apple macOS systems that stems from a downgrade issue related to code-signing enforcement. Code-signing is a security mechanism that ensures only trusted and verified applications can modify sensitive system components. Due to insufficient restrictions, an attacker with local access and requiring user interaction can run an app that bypasses these protections to modify protected parts of the file system. This modification impacts system integrity, potentially allowing malicious code to persist or escalate privileges indirectly. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or availability directly, nor does it require prior privileges, but it does require the user to interact with the malicious app. Apple fixed this issue by enhancing code-signing restrictions in macOS Sequoia 15.3, Sonoma 14.7.3, and Ventura 13.7.3. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating a memory corruption aspect that could be exploited to alter system files improperly. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported, but the medium CVSS score of 5.5 reflects the moderate risk posed by this vulnerability due to its local attack vector and user interaction requirement.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24122 is on system integrity, as an attacker can modify protected file system areas, potentially leading to persistent malware installation, unauthorized system configuration changes, or bypassing security controls. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity compromise can facilitate further attacks or system instability. Organizations with Intel-based Macs, especially those in sensitive environments such as government, finance, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, face risks of local insider threats or social engineering attacks that trick users into running malicious apps. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where endpoint security is lax or users are prone to phishing or installing untrusted software. Unpatched systems remain vulnerable until updated to the fixed macOS versions.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24122, organizations should promptly update all Intel-based macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.3, Sonoma 14.7.3, or Ventura 13.7.3 or later, which include the necessary code-signing enforcement fixes. Enforce strict application whitelisting and limit installation of apps to those from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or verified developers. Implement endpoint protection solutions that monitor for unauthorized file system modifications and suspicious app behavior. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding social engineering attacks that could lead to executing malicious code. Regularly audit systems for signs of integrity violations and maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to restore systems if compromise occurs. Consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and notarization enforcement to further reduce risk.