CVE-2025-24278 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS related to improper validation of symbolic links (symlinks), categorized under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access). This flaw allows an application running with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to bypass intended access controls and access protected user data. The root cause is insufficient validation of symlinks, which can be manipulated to point to sensitive files or directories, enabling unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, where Apple has implemented improved symlink validation to mitigate the issue. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting that the attack vector is local (AV:L), requires low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts integrity (I:H) but not confidentiality or availability. There are no known public exploits or active exploitation reported. This vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious local applications or attackers who have gained limited access to a macOS system to escalate their ability to access protected user data, potentially leading to data manipulation or unauthorized data exposure within the system.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24278 is the potential unauthorized access and manipulation of protected user data on macOS systems. This can compromise data integrity and potentially lead to further lateral movement or privilege escalation within an environment. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that utilize macOS devices for sensitive operations are at higher risk. The vulnerability requires local access, so the threat is more pronounced in environments where endpoint security is weak or where users may inadvertently install malicious applications. Although confidentiality is not directly impacted, the integrity compromise can undermine trust in data and systems. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating and the widespread use of macOS in certain European markets necessitate timely remediation to prevent future exploitation attempts.

1. Immediately apply the security updates macOS Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 as applicable to all affected systems. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies to limit the execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of local malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and alerting on suspicious symlink manipulations or unauthorized file access attempts. 4. Conduct regular audits of local user privileges and remove unnecessary local admin rights to minimize the attack surface. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and the importance of reporting unusual system behavior. 6. Use macOS built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Full Disk Encryption (FileVault) to add layers of defense. 7. Monitor for any emerging exploit code or threat intelligence related to this CVE to adapt defenses promptly.