CVE-2025-24148 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows a malicious Java Archive (JAR) file to bypass the Gatekeeper security mechanism. Gatekeeper is designed to prevent the execution of untrusted or malicious software by verifying the source and integrity of executable files before allowing them to run. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of executable types within the macOS security framework, specifically how JAR files are processed. An attacker can craft a malicious JAR file that circumvents these checks, enabling the execution of arbitrary code without triggering Gatekeeper warnings or requiring user interaction. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, where Apple has implemented improved executable type handling to address the issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's critical nature: it can be exploited remotely (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the flaw's characteristics suggest it could be leveraged for stealthy malware deployment, persistent backdoors, or data exfiltration. The underlying CWE-354 (Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value) indicates a failure to properly validate the executable's integrity, allowing malicious payloads to masquerade as legitimate JAR files. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to macOS users, particularly in environments where Gatekeeper is a primary defense against untrusted software execution.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a severe risk due to the widespread use of macOS devices in corporate, governmental, and critical infrastructure sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, complete system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of services. Confidential information could be exfiltrated, and attackers could establish persistent footholds within networks. The bypass of Gatekeeper removes a critical security layer, increasing the likelihood of successful malware infections and reducing the effectiveness of endpoint protection strategies. Organizations relying on macOS for sensitive operations, including finance, healthcare, and public administration, face heightened exposure. Additionally, the lack of required user interaction or privileges for exploitation means that attacks could be automated and propagated rapidly, increasing the potential scale and speed of impact. The vulnerability also undermines trust in macOS security controls, potentially affecting compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR if breaches occur.

European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all macOS devices to versions Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. In parallel, implement strict application control policies to restrict execution of untrusted or unsigned JAR files, leveraging endpoint protection platforms that can enforce execution whitelisting. Network-level controls should be enhanced to monitor and block suspicious Java-related traffic and downloads. Security teams should audit existing macOS systems for signs of compromise, focusing on unusual Java process executions or unexpected network connections. User education should emphasize caution when handling JAR files from unverified sources. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or behavior-based detection tools to identify anomalous execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should include checks for this specific vulnerability to ensure remediation effectiveness. Finally, maintain up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to monitor for emerging exploits targeting this flaw.