CVE-2025-24169 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and Safari that allows a malicious application to bypass the authentication mechanisms protecting browser extensions. The root cause is a logging issue where sensitive data was not properly redacted, potentially exposing authentication tokens or mechanisms to unauthorized applications. This flaw enables a malicious app, without requiring privileges or user interaction, to interact with or control browser extensions that normally require authentication. Browser extensions often have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data, so bypassing their authentication can lead to unauthorized actions such as data manipulation, interception of communications, or execution of malicious scripts within the browser context. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.3 and Safari versions before 18.3, where Apple has implemented fixes to improve data redaction and close the authentication bypass. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity rating, emphasizing the vulnerability's potential impact on integrity without affecting confidentiality or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the ease of exploitation and lack of required privileges make it a significant threat. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-532, which relates to exposure of sensitive information through logs, indicating that improper logging practices led to this security gap.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity of browser-based workflows and security controls. Many enterprises rely on browser extensions for functions such as multi-factor authentication, password management, secure communications, and data loss prevention. A malicious app exploiting this vulnerability could bypass extension authentication, potentially manipulating extension behavior or accessing sensitive data handled by these extensions. This could lead to unauthorized data modification, interception of confidential information, or introduction of malicious code into browser sessions. Since the vulnerability requires no privileges or user interaction, it increases the risk of stealthy compromise, especially in environments where users install third-party applications. The impact is particularly critical for sectors with high reliance on Apple hardware and Safari, such as finance, government, and technology industries prevalent in Europe. Additionally, the vulnerability could undermine trust in endpoint security and complicate compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR if sensitive data is exposed or integrity is compromised.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to macOS Sequoia 15.3 and Safari 18.3 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unsigned applications that could exploit this flaw. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring unusual app behaviors related to browser extension interactions can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should audit browser extensions in use, removing or replacing those that are unnecessary or have known security weaknesses. User education on the risks of installing unverified applications is also critical. Additionally, organizations can consider deploying network-level controls to monitor and restrict suspicious outbound connections initiated by browser extensions or apps. Regular review of logging and monitoring configurations to ensure sensitive data is not exposed in logs can prevent similar issues. Finally, integrating these mitigations into broader Apple device management and security policies will strengthen overall resilience against such threats.