CVE-2025-24262 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.4. The flaw 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 are designed to operate with limited privileges to protect system integrity and user privacy; however, due to this vulnerability, they can bypass these restrictions to access confidential data logged by the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The CVSS v3.1 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). The impact is high on confidentiality, with no effect on integrity or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for sensitive data leakage exists if a malicious sandboxed app is installed. The vulnerability affects unspecified macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.4, where Apple improved private data redaction in logs to mitigate this issue. This vulnerability underscores the risks associated with log data exposure and the need for strict sandboxing and data handling policies in macOS environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant privacy risk as sensitive user data could be exposed to unauthorized sandboxed applications. This could lead to leakage of personal or corporate confidential information, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, with no direct effect on system integrity or availability. Organizations relying on macOS devices, especially in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, and government, could face reputational damage and regulatory penalties if exploited. Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat vector is mainly through malicious or compromised applications installed by users. The risk is heightened in environments where endpoint security controls are lax or where users have the ability to install unvetted software. Overall, the vulnerability could facilitate insider threats or targeted attacks aiming to extract sensitive information from macOS endpoints within European enterprises.

The primary mitigation is to update all affected macOS systems to version Sequoia 15.4 or later, where the issue is fixed by improved private data redaction in system logs. Organizations should enforce strict application installation policies, limiting the ability of users to install untrusted or unsigned sandboxed applications. Endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor and restrict suspicious app behaviors, especially those attempting to access system logs. Regular auditing of installed applications and system logs can help detect anomalous access patterns. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of installing unknown software and enforce least privilege principles to minimize potential exploitation. Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control macOS device configurations and updates can ensure timely patch deployment and compliance. Finally, reviewing and hardening logging configurations to minimize sensitive data exposure in logs can reduce the attack surface.