CVE-2025-24282 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as a library injection issue that allows an application to modify protected parts of the file system. The root cause involves insufficient restrictions on how libraries can be injected or loaded by applications, potentially enabling malicious or compromised apps to alter critical system files or directories that are normally protected. This undermines the integrity of the operating system, potentially allowing attackers to persist, escalate privileges, or disable security controls. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in macOS Sequoia 15.4 through additional restrictions on library injection mechanisms, preventing unauthorized modifications to protected file system areas. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on integrity (I:H) but none on confidentiality (C:N) or availability (A:N). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited or no active exploitation at this time. The vulnerability affects all macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.4, with no specific affected version numbers provided. The CWE classification is CWE-200, indicating exposure of sensitive information, which aligns with the ability to modify protected file system parts. This vulnerability poses a risk primarily to users who run untrusted applications or open unverified files that could trigger library injection. The fix requires updating to macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24282 is on system integrity, as it allows unauthorized modification of protected file system areas by a local application. This could enable attackers to implant persistent malware, alter security configurations, or disable protective mechanisms, potentially leading to further compromise. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity breach can facilitate subsequent attacks that may compromise sensitive data or disrupt system operations. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits the attack surface, reducing the likelihood of remote exploitation. However, in environments where users install untrusted software or open malicious files, the risk increases. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, especially those with high-value targets or sensitive data, could face significant security risks if this vulnerability is exploited. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for defenders to patch and mitigate before active attacks emerge.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to version Sequoia 15.4 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, allowing only trusted and verified software to reduce the risk of malicious library injection. 3. Employ endpoint protection solutions that monitor for unusual file system modifications or suspicious library loading behaviors. 4. Educate users on the risks of opening untrusted files or running unknown applications to minimize user interaction exploitation vectors. 5. Utilize macOS built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and notarization to restrict unauthorized code execution. 6. Regularly audit system logs and file system integrity to detect potential unauthorized changes early. 7. Implement least privilege principles to limit the ability of applications to perform sensitive operations. 8. Consider network segmentation and access controls to limit local access to critical macOS systems. These measures collectively reduce the likelihood of exploitation and limit potential damage.