CVE-2025-24140 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS. This vulnerability allows files downloaded from the internet to potentially bypass the quarantine flag, which could lead to integrity issues. The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 5.3, indicating that it poses a moderate risk to users and organizations relying on this operating system.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as the lack of quarantine flag application can expose systems to security threats. This vulnerability was addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.3, emphasizing the importance of keeping systems updated with the latest security patches.
The issue's exploitation status shows no known exploits or public proof of concept available, but the nature of the vulnerability still necessitates caution. Regular monitoring for updates and applying patches can significantly reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability.
The vulnerability was published on January 27, 2025, and has since been modified, which highlights the dynamic nature of security vulnerabilities and the need for ongoing vigilance within organizations.
Vulnerability Details
This issue was addressed through improved state management. The vulnerability is specifically located in macOS and could impact all versions prior to vendor patch. The CVSS 3.1 score reflects an attack vector of NETWORK and a low attack complexity, which means it could be exploited relatively easily by an attacker without requiring any privileges or user interaction.
The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-276, which relates to improper handling of state information. This flaw is particularly concerning for users who download files from the internet, as the lack of a quarantine flag could allow potentially malicious files to execute without proper scrutiny.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-24140 stems from improper state management within macOS. This vulnerability primarily affects the file handling mechanisms, allowing downloaded files to bypass the quarantine flag. As a result, files that are potentially harmful can be executed without the user’s awareness.
The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low, indicating that an attacker does not need advanced skills to exploit this issue. No privileges are required to trigger the vulnerability, and user interaction is not necessary, making it particularly dangerous.
Regarding impacts, there is no confidentiality or availability impact, but the integrity impact is low. This means that while the attacker may not directly affect the confidentiality of the system or its availability, they could manipulate the integrity of files and applications running on the affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential integrity violations caused by unflagged files. If exploited, this vulnerability could result in unauthorized changes to critical files or applications, leading to data breaches or operational disruptions. The blast radius could extend to any user or organization utilizing the affected version of macOS.
The urgency to address this vulnerability is moderate. Organizations should schedule remediation as it poses a risk, especially for those who frequently download files from the internet. The absence of known exploits should not deter organizations from applying the necessary patches, as the risk remains significant.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of macOS prior to 15.3 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they update to the latest version to mitigate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to macOS Sequoia 15.3 or later. If immediate upgrading is not possible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to potentially harmful downloads and monitor for unusual file behavior.
Organizations can also benefit from conducting regular penetration testing to identify security gaps, which can be explored further through penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for anomalies, particularly focusing on file downloads and execution patterns. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected file executions or modifications, should be investigated promptly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-24140 reflects a broader trend in software vulnerabilities where improper state management leads to security flaws. Organizations must recognize the importance of maintaining updated systems and conducting thorough security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Security teams should leverage insights from this vulnerability to enhance their defensive strategies, focusing on proactive measures such as regular updates, security training, and comprehensive testing. For further reading on security best practices, refer to our penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design articles.
Finally, engage in continuous security testing to ensure your systems remain resilient against emerging threats, as highlighted in our continuous penetration testing guide.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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