CVE-2025-24280 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that stems from insufficient sandbox restrictions, allowing an application to access user-sensitive data without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which relates to information exposure. The issue was addressed by Apple through enhanced sandbox restrictions in macOS Sequoia 15.4 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), and user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact affects confidentiality (C:H) but not integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This means an attacker with local access and the ability to trick a user into interaction could exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive data that should otherwise be protected by sandboxing. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges, increasing its risk profile on systems where untrusted apps can be installed or run. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of sensitive data exposure potential makes it a concern for privacy and data protection compliance. The vulnerability affects unspecified macOS versions prior to the patched releases, so organizations running older versions are at risk.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24280 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could include personal information, credentials, or corporate data stored or accessible on the device. The confidentiality breach could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is higher in environments where users may install untrusted applications or open unverified files. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which handle highly sensitive data, could face increased risks. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or remote workforces using macOS devices may be more exposed. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the exposure of sensitive data alone can have significant operational and legal consequences.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.4 or macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 or later to apply the patch that enforces stricter sandbox restrictions. 2. Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation or execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. 3. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted applications or files, emphasizing caution to avoid triggering the vulnerability. 4. Review and tighten sandbox configurations and permissions for applications, especially those that handle sensitive data, to limit potential data exposure. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring unusual application behaviors that may indicate attempts to access sensitive data improperly. 6. For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce minimum OS version requirements and restrict access from devices running vulnerable macOS versions. 7. Regularly audit and monitor macOS devices for compliance with security policies and patch levels to ensure timely remediation.