CVE-2025-24159 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and several other Apple operating systems including iPadOS, iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The root cause is a validation issue that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This means that an attacker who can run a malicious app locally on a vulnerable device can escalate their privileges to the kernel, gaining full control over the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which relates to improper control of code generation, indicating that the flaw involves unsafe handling of code or data that leads to code execution. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that the attack requires local access with low privileges, no user interaction, and results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Apple has released patches in versions macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, iPadOS 17.7.4 and 18.3, iOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3, and visionOS 2.3 to address this issue by improving validation logic. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet, but the potential for exploitation is significant given the level of access gained. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to these patches, so unpatched systems remain at risk. The ability to execute code with kernel privileges can allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, and disrupt system operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk due to the widespread use of Apple devices in both consumer and enterprise environments. Organizations in finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure sectors are particularly vulnerable because a kernel-level compromise can lead to complete system takeover, data breaches, and operational disruption. The ability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges means attackers can install rootkits, disable security software, and maintain persistence undetected. This can result in loss of confidentiality of sensitive data, integrity violations through unauthorized modifications, and availability issues if systems are destabilized or taken offline. The local access requirement limits remote exploitation but insider threats or malware that gains initial foothold can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. The lack of required user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation once local access is obtained. Failure to patch promptly could lead to targeted attacks against European organizations, especially those with high-value intellectual property or critical services.

European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple for all affected operating systems to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unsigned apps, reducing the risk of malicious local code execution. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious kernel-level activity and privilege escalation attempts. User privileges should be minimized to reduce the number of accounts with local access capable of exploitation. Network segmentation and strong access controls can help contain potential compromises. Regular audits of installed software and system integrity checks can detect unauthorized changes. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing unverified applications. For high-risk environments, consider deploying Apple’s Endpoint Security framework or similar kernel-level monitoring tools to detect exploitation attempts. Incident response plans should be updated to address potential kernel-level compromises. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure they are running supported, patched OS versions.