CVE-2025-24282 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS related to a library injection flaw that permits an application to modify protected parts of the file system. The vulnerability arises from insufficient restrictions on library injection mechanisms, allowing malicious or compromised applications to bypass normal macOS file system protections. This can lead to unauthorized modification of system files or directories that are normally safeguarded by the operating system, potentially undermining system integrity. The vulnerability does not require any privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), meaning a user must run or interact with a malicious app for exploitation to occur. The attack vector is local (AV:L), indicating that the attacker must have local access to the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the moderate impact on integrity without affecting confidentiality or availability. The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other system components. Apple addressed this issue by adding additional restrictions on library injection in macOS Sequoia 15.4, which prevents unauthorized modification of protected file system areas. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported to date. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information) due to the potential for unauthorized file system modifications that could expose or alter sensitive system data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of macOS systems. Unauthorized modification of protected file system areas could allow attackers to install persistent malware, alter system binaries, or disable security controls, potentially leading to long-term compromise. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, software development, or secure communications could face operational disruptions or data integrity issues. Although the vulnerability does not directly impact confidentiality or availability, the ability to modify system files could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks to escalate privileges or evade detection. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or social engineering attacks. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in sectors such as finance, government, and creative industries across Europe, the vulnerability could have significant implications if left unpatched.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to version Sequoia 15.4 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict installation of applications to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved software repositories to reduce the risk of malicious apps. 3. Implement strict endpoint protection and application control policies to detect and block unauthorized library injections or modifications to protected file system areas. 4. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or downloads that could lead to exploitation. 5. Monitor system logs and file integrity monitoring tools for unusual changes in protected directories or system files indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Employ least privilege principles to limit user permissions and reduce the impact of potential local attacks requiring user interaction. 7. For organizations with macOS device management, enforce configuration profiles that restrict execution of unsigned or unapproved code. 8. Regularly audit macOS systems for compliance with security policies and patch levels to ensure timely remediation.