CVE-2025-30440 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that permits an application to bypass the Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) security feature. ASLR is a critical mitigation technique that randomizes memory addresses used by system and application processes, making it difficult for attackers to predict the location of specific code or data in memory. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or checks within the macOS kernel or system libraries, allowing a malicious or compromised application to infer or determine the memory layout despite ASLR protections. The issue affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, and macOS Ventura 13.7.6. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-863, indicating improper authorization, suggesting that the system fails to enforce correct access controls related to memory layout information. 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 is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is limited to integrity (I:H), with no confidentiality (C:N) or availability (A:N) impact. This means an attacker can manipulate or bypass ASLR to facilitate further attacks, such as code reuse or memory corruption exploits, but cannot directly leak sensitive information or cause denial of service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's nature makes it a valuable step in complex attack chains. Apple has addressed the issue by implementing improved checks to prevent ASLR bypass. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 12, 2025.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-30440 is the weakening of ASLR protections on affected macOS systems, which can significantly aid attackers in exploiting other vulnerabilities that require knowledge of memory layout. By bypassing ASLR, attackers can more reliably execute code reuse attacks such as Return-Oriented Programming (ROP), increasing the likelihood of successful privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. Although this vulnerability alone does not grant direct access or cause data leaks, it lowers the barrier for attackers to compromise system integrity. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, especially those handling sensitive data or running security-sensitive applications, face increased risk of targeted attacks leveraging this flaw. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments where users may be tricked into running malicious applications or opening crafted files. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited immediate threat, but the medium severity and potential for use in multi-stage attacks necessitate prompt remediation. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to more severe compromises, including unauthorized code execution and system control.

To mitigate CVE-2025-30440, organizations should prioritize updating affected macOS systems to the patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, or macOS Ventura 13.7.6. Applying these updates ensures the improved checks preventing ASLR bypass are in place. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit the execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of local exploitation. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that monitor for unusual memory manipulation or code injection attempts can help detect exploitation attempts early. User education is critical to minimize risky behaviors that require user interaction, such as opening unknown attachments or running unverified software. Additionally, enabling system integrity protection (SIP) and leveraging macOS security features like Gatekeeper and notarization can further reduce attack surface. For high-security environments, consider sandboxing applications and restricting local user permissions to limit the ability of malicious apps to execute. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated macOS versions to ensure timely patch deployment.