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CVE-2025-24155: An app may be able to disclose kernel memory in Apple macOS

Medium
VulnerabilityCVE-2025-24155cvecve-2025-24155
Published: Mon May 12 2025 (05/12/2025, 21:42:39 UTC)
Source: CVE
Vendor/Project: Apple
Product: macOS

Description

The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6. An app may be able to disclose kernel memory.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/06/2025, 16:40:04 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2025-24155 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS operating systems, specifically versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.6. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling that allows a local application to disclose kernel memory contents. Kernel memory disclosure vulnerabilities fall under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor) and can lead to leakage of sensitive information stored in kernel space, such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other critical system data. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 reflects a scenario where the attacker requires local access (Attack Vector: Local), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the vulnerability. The scope is unchanged, meaning the vulnerability affects the same security authority. While the vulnerability does not allow modification or disruption of system integrity or availability, the confidentiality impact is high due to potential exposure of sensitive kernel memory. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and Apple has addressed the issue by improving memory handling in the specified patched macOS versions. Given the nature of macOS as a widely used platform in enterprise and personal environments, this vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious local applications or attackers with limited access to escalate information gathering capabilities on affected systems.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24155 primarily concerns confidentiality breaches on macOS endpoints. Organizations using macOS devices—particularly in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, government, healthcare, and technology—could face risks of sensitive kernel memory disclosure if devices remain unpatched. This could facilitate further attacks by revealing kernel-level secrets that might aid privilege escalation or bypass security controls. Although exploitation requires local access and user interaction, insider threats or malware delivered via phishing or social engineering could exploit this vulnerability. The impact is heightened in environments with mixed OS deployments where macOS devices are used for critical operations. Data protection regulations such as GDPR impose strict requirements on safeguarding personal and sensitive data, so any leakage could lead to compliance issues and reputational damage. However, the lack of known active exploits and the availability of patches mitigate the immediate risk if organizations apply updates promptly.

Mitigation Recommendations

European organizations should prioritize deploying the macOS updates macOS Sequoia 15.3, Ventura 13.7.6, or Sonoma 14.7.6 to all vulnerable devices. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict endpoint security policies including application whitelisting to prevent untrusted apps from executing, and implement least privilege principles to limit user permissions and reduce the risk of local exploitation. User education on phishing and social engineering can reduce the likelihood of triggering user interaction-based exploits. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with behavioral analytics can help detect suspicious local activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and limiting physical and remote access to macOS devices can further reduce exposure. Regular auditing of installed software and monitoring for unusual kernel memory access patterns can provide early warning signs. Finally, organizations should maintain an up-to-date asset inventory of macOS devices to ensure timely patch management and vulnerability remediation.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
apple
Date Reserved
2025-01-17T00:00:44.985Z
Cisa Enriched
true
Cvss Version
3.1
State
PUBLISHED

Threat ID: 682cd0fc1484d88663aecafa

Added to database: 5/20/2025, 6:59:08 PM

Last enriched: 7/6/2025, 4:40:04 PM

Last updated: 8/17/2025, 11:18:36 PM

Views: 11

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