macOS, File Parsing Vulnerability, CVE-2025-24139 Critical

By /

How the Mentioned CVE Works:

CVE-2025-24139 is a critical vulnerability in macOS that arises due to improper file parsing mechanisms. When a maliciously crafted file is processed by the affected macOS versions Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, Sonoma 14.7.3, it triggers an unexpected application termination. This occurs because the system fails to perform adequate validation checks during file parsing, leading to a crash. Attackers can exploit this flaw by delivering specially crafted files to victims, potentially causing denial-of-service DoS conditions or enabling further exploitation if combined with other vulnerabilities. Apple addressed this issue by implementing improved validation checks in subsequent updates.

DailyCVE Form:

Platform: macOS
Version: Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.3, Sonoma 14.7.3
Vulnerability: File Parsing
Severity: Critical
Date: 01/27/2025

What Undercode Say:

1. Exploitation Details:

  • Craft a malicious file with malformed headers or payloads.
  • Deliver the file via email, USB, or network shares.
  • Trigger parsing by opening the file on the target macOS system.

2. Protection Measures:

  • Update macOS to the latest version.
  • Use endpoint protection tools to detect malicious files.
  • Disable automatic file parsing in untrusted environments.

3. Analytics:

  • CVSS Score: 9.8 Critical
  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Attack Complexity: Low
  • User Interaction: Required

4. Commands:

  • Check macOS version: `sw_vers`
    – Verify installed patches: `softwareupdate –history`
    – Scan for malicious files: `clamscan -r /path/to/files`

5. Code Snippets:

  • Python script to detect malformed files: 
    import magic
def check_filefile_path:
file_type = magic.from_filefile_path
if "malformed" in file_type:
print"Potential malicious file detected."

6. URLs:

  • Apple Security Updates: [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222]https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222
  • NVD Details: [https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24139]https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24139
  • Exploit Database: [https://www.exploit-db.com]https://www.exploit-db.com

7. Mitigation Tools:

  • Use firewalls to block untrusted file transfers.
  • Deploy intrusion detection systems IDS for file monitoring.
  • Regularly audit system logs for unusual activity.

8. Additional Resources:

  • Apple Developer Documentation: [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security]https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security
  • OWASP File Upload Cheatsheet: [https://owasp.org/www-community/vulnerabilities/Unrestricted_File_Upload]https://owasp.org/www-community/vulnerabilities/Unrestricted_File_Upload

9. Exploit PoC:

  • A proof-of-concept PoC can be developed using malformed PDF or image files.
  • Example: Use `hexedit` to corrupt file headers and test parsing behavior.

10. Monitoring:

  • Monitor system logs for crashes related to file parsing.
  • Use tools like `Console.app` to track application terminations.

11. Patch Management:

  • Enable automatic updates: `sudo softwareupdate –schedule on`
    – Verify patch installation: `softwareupdate –list`

12. Community Reports:

  • Check forums like Reddit or Stack Overflow for user-reported issues.
  • Follow Apple’s security mailing lists for updates.

13. Backup Strategies:

  • Regularly back up critical data using Time Machine.
  • Store backups offline to prevent ransomware attacks.

14. User Training:

  • Educate users on avoiding untrusted file sources.
  • Conduct phishing simulation exercises.

15. Advanced Protection:

  • Use macOS’s built-in XProtect for malware detection.
  • Enable System Integrity Protection SIP: `csrutil status`

16. Log Analysis:

  • Analyze logs for suspicious file access patterns.
  • Use `log show –predicate ‘eventMessage contains “crash”‘` to find crashes.

17. Network Hardening:

  • Disable unnecessary file-sharing services.
  • Use VPNs for secure remote file access.

18. Third-Party Tools:

  • Tools like Little Snitch can monitor outbound connections.
  • Use Malwarebytes for macOS to scan for threats.

19. Incident Response:

  • Isolate affected systems immediately.
  • Collect forensic data using `diskutil list` and fs_usage.

20. Future Recommendations:

  • Regularly review Apple’s security advisories.
  • Participate in macOS beta programs to test early patches.
    This structured approach ensures comprehensive understanding and mitigation of CVE-2025-24139.

References:

Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24139
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode

Image Source:

Undercode AI DI v2Featured Image

Scroll to Top