CVE-2025-24262 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed in the macOS Sequoia 15.4 update. The issue arises from insufficient redaction of sensitive user data in system log entries, which allows sandboxed applications—normally restricted in their access—to read sensitive information from these logs. Sandboxed apps operate with limited privileges to isolate them from critical system components and user data; however, this vulnerability bypasses those restrictions by exploiting the system logging mechanism. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, meaning the attack requires local access and user interaction but no privileges, impacts confidentiality significantly, and does not affect integrity or availability. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2025 and published in March 2025, with no known exploits in the wild reported at this time. The fix involves improved private data redaction in log entries to prevent unauthorized access by sandboxed applications. This vulnerability primarily threatens user privacy by exposing sensitive data that could include personal information, credentials, or other confidential details logged by the system or applications.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24262 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data through system logs accessible by sandboxed applications. This can lead to privacy violations, data leakage, and potential exposure of personally identifiable information (PII) or confidential operational data. For organizations, this could mean leakage of sensitive internal information if sandboxed apps are compromised or malicious, potentially aiding further attacks such as social engineering or targeted exploitation. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, it does not directly enable system compromise or denial of service. However, the confidentiality breach can undermine trust in macOS environments, especially in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, and government. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or malicious apps installed by users. The medium CVSS score reflects moderate risk, but the widespread use of macOS in enterprise and consumer environments means the potential impact is significant if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24262, organizations and users should promptly update all affected macOS systems to version Sequoia 15.4 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed by enhanced log data redaction. Beyond patching, administrators should audit and restrict the installation of sandboxed applications, especially those from untrusted sources, to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Implementing strict application whitelisting and monitoring sandboxed app behaviors can help detect anomalous access to system logs. Additionally, reviewing and minimizing the amount of sensitive data written to system logs can reduce exposure if logs are accessed improperly. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that monitor local application activities may help identify attempts to access sensitive logs. Finally, educating users about the risks of installing unverified apps and requiring user interaction for app launches can further reduce exploitation likelihood.