CVE-2025-24199 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems characterized by an uncontrolled format string flaw. This type of vulnerability arises when user-supplied input is improperly validated and used as a format string parameter in certain system or application functions, potentially leading to unexpected behavior. In this case, the flaw allows a malicious app to trigger a denial-of-service condition, effectively crashing or halting affected macOS systems. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved input validation in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction (UI:R) is necessary. The vulnerability impacts availability (A:H) but does not affect confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited or no active exploitation at this time. The underlying CWE is CWE-400, which relates to uncontrolled resource consumption leading to denial-of-service. The vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious apps or users with local access to disrupt system availability, potentially affecting business continuity and user productivity.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24199 is the potential for denial-of-service attacks on macOS systems, which could disrupt critical business operations, especially in environments relying heavily on Apple hardware and software. This could affect sectors such as finance, media, creative industries, and government agencies that use macOS extensively. Although the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, service outages could lead to operational downtime, loss of productivity, and potential reputational damage. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation risks but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from social engineering. Organizations with macOS endpoints in mixed environments should be aware of this threat to maintain system availability and ensure continuity of services.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24199, European organizations should prioritize deploying the security updates released by Apple in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit the execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps triggering the vulnerability. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for abnormal app behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. User education on the risks of executing unverified applications and social engineering tactics is essential to reduce user interaction-based exploitation. Additionally, enforcing the principle of least privilege for local users can minimize the potential impact. Regularly auditing and monitoring macOS systems for crashes or unusual resource consumption can help detect early signs of exploitation.