Introduction
On January 27, 2025, a critical vulnerability was discovered in Apple’s macOS, identified as CVE-2025-24109. This issue allows malicious applications to potentially access sensitive user data. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to user privacy and security. Affected users must update their systems immediately to protect their data.
Technical Overview
The vulnerability arises from a downgrade issue related to code-signing restrictions. This issue allows unauthorized apps to bypass security checks and access sensitive user information, including private files and other confidential data. The flaw is present in versions of macOS prior to macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.3.
Impact and CVSS Score
The CVSS score for CVE-2025-24109 is 9.8, which is considered critical. The CVSS vector string for this vulnerability is:
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
This indicates the following:
- The attack can be carried out remotely (Network attack vector).
- It has low complexity, making it easier to exploit.
- No user interaction is required, making it highly exploitable.
- The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability significantly.
Apple’s Response
Apple has addressed this issue in the latest updates for macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.3. These updates include additional code-signing restrictions to prevent unauthorized applications from accessing protected user data.
Conclusion
Given the critical nature of CVE-2025-24109, users of older macOS versions should update their systems immediately. Keeping your macOS up-to-date is essential to ensuring your data remains secure and protected from exploitation.