CVE-2025-24181 is a critical security vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as a permissions issue (CWE-862) that allows unauthorized applications to access protected user data. The flaw stems from insufficient enforcement of access controls, enabling malicious or compromised apps to bypass restrictions and read sensitive information without requiring any privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's ease of remote exploitation (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N), with a scope unchanged (S:U) but with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). While no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the potential for data leakage and system compromise is significant, especially in environments where sensitive user data is stored or processed. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2025 and published in March 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The fix involves additional restrictions on app permissions to prevent unauthorized data access, emphasizing the importance of applying the latest security updates. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations must prioritize patching and review app permission policies to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive user data stored on macOS devices. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, manipulation, or destruction, potentially violating data protection regulations such as GDPR. Industries handling personal, financial, or health data are particularly vulnerable, as exposure could result in legal penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruption. The ease of exploitation without user interaction or privileges increases the likelihood of automated or widespread attacks once exploits become available. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using macOS devices are at heightened risk due to potentially less controlled environments. Additionally, critical infrastructure sectors relying on Apple devices for secure communications or operations may face increased threat levels. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the critical severity demands immediate attention to prevent future incidents.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to the fixed versions: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5. 2. Enforce strict app permission policies, limiting app access to sensitive data and system resources through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. 3. Audit installed applications regularly to identify and remove untrusted or unnecessary software. 4. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring anomalous app behavior related to data access. 5. Educate users about the importance of installing updates promptly and recognizing suspicious app activity. 6. For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce compliance checks ensuring devices are updated and secured. 7. Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for emerging exploit reports. 8. Consider network segmentation and data encryption to reduce the impact of potential data breaches. 9. Conduct regular security assessments focusing on macOS environments to identify residual risks. 10. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability.