This vulnerability allows an app with root privileges to bypass symlink restrictions and access sensitive data. macOS uses symlinks (symbolic links) for file redirection, but improper handling in versions before Sequoia 15.4 enables malicious apps to exploit symlinks for unauthorized access. Attackers craft a symlink pointing to protected directories (e.g., /var/db), and when processed by privileged services, the system follows the link, exposing confidential files. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of symlink paths during filesystem operations, granting root-level apps unintended read/write access. Apple patched this by enforcing stricter symlink checks.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: macOS
Version: <15.4
Vulnerability: Symlink bypass
Severity: Critical
Date: 03/31/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploit:
1. Create a malicious symlink:
ln -s /private/var/db /tmp/fake_link
2. Use a root-privileged app to dereference it:
include <unistd.h>
int main() { readlink("/tmp/fake_link", buf, sizeof(buf)); }
Protection:
1. Update to macOS 15.4:
softwareupdate --install --all
2. Audit root apps:
sudo lsof -nP +L1 | grep 'root'
3. Disable unnecessary root services:
launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/.plist
Analytics:
- Attack Vector: Local
- Complexity: Low
- CVSS: 9.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)
- Patch Gap: 7 days (Disclosure → Fix)
Detection:
Check symlink permissions: find / -type l -perm -o+w 2>/dev/null
Mitigation Script:
!/bin/sh Disable symlink following for sensitive dirs: chmod -R 700 /private/var/db
References:
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24242
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
