CVE-2025-24156 is an integer overflow vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, classified under CWE-190. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation that allows an integer overflow condition, which can be exploited by a malicious application to escalate its privileges on the affected system. This means an attacker can potentially execute code with elevated rights, bypassing normal security restrictions. The vulnerability affects multiple recent macOS versions, including Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, and Sonoma 14.7.3, with patches released to address the issue. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8, indicating high severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no active exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system manipulation, or denial of service. The vulnerability is particularly critical because it allows an unprivileged app to gain elevated rights, potentially compromising the entire system. The fix involves improved input validation to prevent the integer overflow condition. Organizations running macOS should prioritize patching to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially those relying on macOS systems for critical operations or handling sensitive information. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to access confidential data, install persistent malware, or disrupt system availability. This could affect sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology where macOS usage is prevalent. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the attack surface. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage. Given the widespread use of Apple products in Europe, particularly in business and creative industries, the threat is significant. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks once exploit code becomes available.

European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple for macOS Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, and Sonoma 14.7.3 to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting the flaw. User awareness training should emphasize the dangers of interacting with untrusted software or links, as user interaction is required for exploitation. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious privilege escalation behaviors. Regularly audit and monitor macOS systems for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Consider network segmentation to limit exposure of critical macOS endpoints. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to ensure recovery capability in case of compromise.