CVE-2025-24281 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The root cause is insufficient data protection mechanisms within the operating system, which could be exploited by a malicious or compromised app to read sensitive information that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability was addressed and fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.4 through improved data protection controls. According to the CVSS v3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N), 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 is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This means an attacker must convince a user to run a malicious app locally, which can then access sensitive data without escalating privileges or affecting system stability. There are no known exploits in the wild, but the vulnerability represents a significant privacy risk, especially in environments where sensitive data is handled on macOS devices. The CWE-200 classification indicates an information exposure issue. The affected versions are unspecified but presumably all versions prior to Sequoia 15.4. No patch links were provided, but updating to the fixed version is the primary remediation.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24281 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could include personal information, credentials, or corporate data stored or accessible on the device. Such data exposure can lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), reputational damage, and potential follow-on attacks such as phishing or identity theft. Since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. However, the confidentiality breach risk is significant, especially in sectors handling sensitive or regulated data such as finance, healthcare, and government. Organizations with a high number of macOS endpoints or BYOD policies are at greater risk. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering attacks remain plausible vectors. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits post-disclosure.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24281, European organizations should: 1) Immediately update all macOS devices to version Sequoia 15.4 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2) Enforce strict application control policies, allowing only trusted and verified apps to run, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. 3) Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of cautious user interaction to prevent exploitation. 4) Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious app behaviors indicative of unauthorized data access. 5) Use mobile device management (MDM) tools to enforce security configurations and timely patch deployment across macOS fleets. 6) Regularly audit installed applications and permissions to identify and remove unnecessary or potentially risky software. 7) Employ data encryption and access controls to limit the exposure of sensitive data even if accessed by unauthorized apps. 8) Monitor logs and alerts for unusual local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic patching advice by emphasizing user awareness, application control, and proactive monitoring tailored to macOS environments.