CVE-2025-24197 is a logic vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to bypass certain security checks and access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The root cause is a flaw in the system's logic that failed to enforce adequate access control, categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). This vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched releases, specifically fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access to the system. No privileges are required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R), meaning the user must perform some action such as running a malicious app. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This suggests that while sensitive data could be exposed, system stability and data integrity remain intact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a risk especially in environments where users might run untrusted applications. The fix involves improved logic checks to prevent unauthorized data access, as implemented in the latest macOS updates.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data if a malicious or compromised application is executed on affected macOS systems. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling confidential information such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering attacks could leverage this flaw. Data confidentiality breaches could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, leading to legal and financial repercussions. Additionally, organizations relying heavily on macOS devices for critical workflows may face operational risks if sensitive data is exposed. The absence of integrity or availability impact reduces the risk of system disruption but does not diminish the importance of protecting user data privacy.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to at least macOS Sonoma 14.8 or macOS Sequoia 15.7 to apply the security patches addressing this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies, limiting installation and execution to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-signed applications. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of running untrusted applications and recognizing social engineering attempts. Endpoint protection solutions with behavior-based detection can help identify suspicious app activities attempting unauthorized data access. Implementing least privilege principles and restricting local user permissions can further reduce exploitation risk. Regular audits of installed applications and monitoring for unusual data access patterns will enhance detection capabilities. Finally, organizations should maintain an incident response plan tailored to data leakage scenarios to quickly address any potential breaches.