CVE-2025-24232 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems, specifically addressed in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. The vulnerability arises from improper state management within the OS that allows a malicious application to bypass normal access controls and read arbitrary files on the system. This flaw corresponds to CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor), indicating that unauthorized disclosure of information is possible. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), making it highly accessible to attackers. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects its critical nature, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The lack of required privileges and user interaction means that any malicious app installed on a vulnerable macOS system can exploit this flaw to access sensitive files arbitrarily, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. Although no active exploits have been reported, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for attackers once exploit code becomes available. Apple has addressed this issue through improved state management in the OS, and users are strongly advised to upgrade to the patched versions. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to the fixed releases, so organizations must verify their macOS versions and apply updates promptly to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24232 is significant due to the potential for unauthorized data access and system compromise. Sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, and personal information stored on macOS devices could be exposed, leading to data breaches and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The integrity of systems could be undermined, allowing attackers to manipulate files or disrupt operations, affecting business continuity. Given the ease of exploitation without user interaction or privileges, attackers could deploy malicious apps via phishing, supply chain attacks, or insider threats to gain access. Organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure, development, or executive functions face elevated risks. The potential for widespread impact is heightened in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where confidentiality and data integrity are paramount. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged for lateral movement within networks, increasing the scope of compromise. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the critical severity demands urgent attention.

European organizations should immediately verify the macOS versions deployed across their environments and prioritize upgrading to macOS Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 where applicable. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies, allowing only trusted and verified applications to be installed and executed, leveraging Apple’s notarization and Gatekeeper features. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and anomalous app behaviors. Restrict user permissions to limit the installation of unauthorized software and enforce least privilege principles. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and remove any unapproved or outdated software. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and phishing attempts that could deliver malicious apps. Network segmentation can limit the spread of compromise from infected macOS devices. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to macOS environments to ensure rapid recovery if exploitation occurs.