CVE-2025-24119 Overview
CVE-2025-24119 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple macOS caused by improper state management. An application can leverage the flaw to execute arbitrary code outside its sandbox or with elevated privileges. Apple resolved the issue through improved state management in macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. The weakness is classified under CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management. Local access with low privileges is required, and no user interaction is needed for exploitation.
Critical Impact
A malicious application can escape the macOS sandbox or obtain elevated privileges, breaking a core security boundary that protects the operating system from untrusted code.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.7.7
- Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.7.7
- Apple macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.3
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-30 - CVE-2025-24119 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24119
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-24119 is a privilege management flaw (CWE-269) rooted in improper state management within a macOS component. Apple's advisory confirms that a local application can leverage the condition to execute code outside its sandbox or with elevated privileges. The sandbox is a foundational macOS security boundary that constrains what an application can read, write, and execute. When state is not tracked correctly, an application can reach a code path where the operating system fails to enforce the expected privilege constraints.
The vulnerability requires local access and existing low-privilege execution on the target system. Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to run code with permissions the application should not possess, including access to protected files, sensitive APIs, or system resources. Apple has not published low-level implementation details, and the fix is described only as "improved state management." Additional context is available in the Apple Support Document #124150 and Apple Support Document #124151.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper state management inside a privileged macOS code path. Inconsistent tracking of an internal state variable allowed an application to reach an operation while the system incorrectly treated it as authorized. This mismatch enabled the sandbox escape or privilege elevation described in the advisory.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local. An attacker must first execute code on the system, typically by convincing a user to run a malicious application or by compromising an existing sandboxed process. The malicious application then triggers the vulnerable state condition to bypass sandbox restrictions or acquire elevated privileges. Public technical write-ups are referenced in the Full Disclosure July 2025 posts.
No verified proof-of-concept code has been released. The vulnerability mechanism is described in the referenced advisories and disclosure posts rather than reproduced here.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24119
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by sandboxed applications, particularly processes running outside the parent's sandbox profile
- Applications accessing files or system APIs outside their declared entitlements or Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) permissions
- Unusual privilege transitions observed in macOS Endpoint Security Framework (ESF) telemetry, such as ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_EXEC events with mismatched sandbox context
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Endpoint Security Framework events for sandboxed processes exhibiting behavior inconsistent with their entitlements
- Baseline application behavior and alert on deviations that suggest sandbox escape, such as writes to protected directories like /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or /System/
- Correlate process execution telemetry with macOS build version to identify unpatched hosts running vulnerable macOS releases
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track macOS version and build across the fleet and flag endpoints running versions earlier than 13.7.7, 14.7.7, or 15.3
- Log and review sudo, authd, and XPC service invocations for anomalous callers or unexpected privilege elevations
- Retain endpoint process telemetry with parent-child lineage to support post-incident investigation of suspected sandbox escapes
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24119
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all macOS endpoints to macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, or macOS Ventura 13.7.7 or later
- Inventory macOS hosts across the environment and prioritize patching systems that handle sensitive data or run untrusted applications
- Restrict installation of applications from untrusted sources by enforcing Gatekeeper and notarization policies through Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. The advisory states the issue was addressed through improved state management. Full patch details are documented in Apple Support Document #122068, Apple Support Document #124150, and Apple Support Document #124151.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists. Apply the vendor patch as the primary remediation.
- Limit local user privileges and avoid running untrusted applications on unpatched systems to reduce the attack surface
- Enforce application allowlisting through MDM to block execution of unauthorized binaries until patching completes
# Verify the installed macOS version meets the patched baseline
sw_vers -productVersion
# Trigger a software update check to apply the patch
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
