CVE-2025-24164 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS that permits an application to modify protected parts of the file system, which are normally restricted to prevent unauthorized changes. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation checks in the system's access control logic, allowing an app with user interaction but no elevated privileges to alter critical system files or directories. The flaw affects macOS versions before Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5, and Ventura 13.7.5, where Apple has implemented improved checks to address the issue. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, unchanged confidentiality, high integrity impact, and no availability impact. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information) due to the potential unauthorized modification of protected file system areas. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the ability to modify protected files could enable attackers to compromise system integrity, potentially leading to persistence, privilege escalation, or disruption of system operations. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access and trick a user into interacting with a malicious app, which then leverages the logic flaw to bypass normal file system protections.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24164 is on the integrity of affected macOS systems. Unauthorized modification of protected file system areas can allow attackers to alter system binaries, configuration files, or security controls, potentially leading to persistent malware installation, privilege escalation, or disruption of system functions. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity compromise can have cascading effects on system trustworthiness and operational stability. Organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure, development, or sensitive data processing may face increased risk of targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where users may be tricked into running malicious applications. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation attempts, especially as attackers analyze the patch and develop bypass techniques.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24164, organizations should promptly apply the security updates provided by Apple in macOS Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5, and Ventura 13.7.5, which contain the necessary logic fixes. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application installation policies, limiting software sources to trusted vendors and using macOS Gatekeeper and notarization features to reduce the risk of malicious apps. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring file system integrity and alerting on unauthorized modifications to protected directories. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of user interaction in exploitation scenarios. Regularly audit system files and configurations for unexpected changes and maintain backups to enable recovery from integrity compromises. For high-security environments, consider additional hardening measures such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) enforcement and restricting local user privileges to minimize attack surface.