macOS, Code-Signing Bypass, CVE-2025-24122 (Critical)

How the Mentioned CVE Works:

CVE-2025-24122 is a critical vulnerability affecting Intel-based Mac computers. It involves a downgrade issue that allows malicious applications to bypass code-signing restrictions, enabling them to modify protected parts of the file system. This flaw arises due to insufficient enforcement of code-signing policies in macOS, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute unauthorized code or alter system files. The vulnerability is addressed in macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.3 through additional code-signing restrictions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, compromise system integrity, or install persistent malware.

DailyCVE Form:

Platform: macOS
Version: Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, Sonoma 14.7.3
Vulnerability: Code-Signing Bypass
Severity: Critical
Date: 01/27/2025

What Undercode Say:

Analytics:

CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Attack Vector: Local
Exploitability: High
Impact: System Integrity Compromise

Exploitation Commands:

1. Craft a malicious app with unsigned code:

codesign --remove-signature /path/to/malicious/app

2. Modify protected system files:

sudo mount -uw / && cp /path/to/malicious/file /System/Library/Extensions/

Protection Commands:

1. Update macOS to the latest version:

sudo softwareupdate --install --all

2. Verify code-signing integrity:

codesign -vvv /Applications/AppName.app

Exploit Mitigation:

Enable System Integrity Protection (SIP):
```
csrutil enable
```
Monitor for unauthorized file modifications:
```
sudo fs_usage -w | grep "modify"
```

References:

Detection Script:

!/bin/bash
if [[ $(sw_vers -productVersion) < "13.7.3" ]]; then
echo "Vulnerable macOS version detected. Update immediately."
else
echo "System is patched against CVE-2025-24122."
fi

Remediation Steps:

1. Apply Apple’s security updates.

2. Restrict app installations to the App Store.

3. Regularly audit system files for unauthorized changes.

Additional Tools:

Objective-See’s KnockKnock for monitoring persistent software.
Little Snitch for network traffic monitoring.

References:

Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24122
Extra Source Hub:
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Image Source:

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