CVE-2025-24155 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems that allows a local application to disclose kernel memory due to improper memory handling. The kernel memory disclosure flaw is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). This vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.3, Sonoma 14.7.6, and Ventura 13.7.6, where Apple has implemented improved memory handling to mitigate the issue. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating medium severity. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access to the system. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), no privileges are required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This means an attacker can potentially read sensitive kernel memory, which could include sensitive data or information that may aid further attacks, but cannot modify or disrupt system operations. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. The vulnerability is significant because kernel memory disclosure can lead to information leakage that might be leveraged for privilege escalation or other attacks. The fix involves improved memory handling implemented by Apple in the specified macOS versions.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24155 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive kernel memory to local applications, which compromises confidentiality. This exposure can reveal sensitive system information, potentially including cryptographic keys, kernel pointers, or other data that could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or bypassing security mechanisms. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the information leakage can be a stepping stone for attackers to gain elevated privileges or execute arbitrary code. Organizations relying on macOS for development, secure computing, or sensitive data processing are at risk of information leakage if untrusted applications are run locally. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where users may run untrusted or malicious applications. This vulnerability could be particularly impactful in enterprise environments, research institutions, and government agencies where macOS devices are used and sensitive data is processed. Failure to patch could lead to targeted attacks leveraging disclosed kernel information to compromise system security.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24155, organizations and users should promptly update affected macOS systems to the patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, or macOS Ventura 13.7.6. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit the execution of untrusted or unnecessary applications, reducing the risk of local exploitation. Employing endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious local activity can help detect attempts to exploit kernel memory disclosure. Restricting user privileges and enforcing the principle of least privilege reduces the likelihood that an attacker can run malicious code requiring user interaction. Additionally, educating users about the risks of running untrusted applications and social engineering attacks can reduce the chance of user interaction leading to exploitation. For environments requiring high security, consider using macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and sandboxing to limit app capabilities. Regularly auditing installed applications and monitoring system logs for unusual behavior can also aid in early detection of exploitation attempts.