CVE-2025-24124 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.3, tvOS 18.3, visionOS 2.3, watchOS 11.3. Parsing a file may lead to an unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
This vulnerability represents a memory safety issue affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. The flaw manifests when applications process malformed or specially crafted files, leading to unexpected application termination. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a potential denial of service vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt normal system operations or applications. The vulnerability was addressed through enhanced input validation mechanisms that prevent improper file parsing from causing application crashes or system instability. The fix demonstrates Apple's ongoing commitment to improving memory safety and input validation across their ecosystem, aligning with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflows and memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the domain of memory safety issues commonly classified under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write categories. The implementation of improved checks suggests that the original flaw likely involved insufficient bounds checking during file parsing operations, potentially allowing attackers to craft malicious input that could trigger memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile and desktop environments where applications frequently process external data from various sources. The fact that multiple operating system versions required updates indicates the widespread nature of the vulnerability across Apple's product lineup, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive patch management strategies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially affect user productivity and system reliability. When applications terminate unexpectedly due to file parsing issues, users may lose unsaved work or experience disruptions in critical workflows. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as application crashes can be used to trigger additional exploits or to establish a foothold for further compromise. The vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms suggests that attackers could potentially target users across different Apple devices, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments that rely heavily on Apple ecosystem products. The timing of the fix in version 18.3 and subsequent releases indicates that this was a critical issue that required immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate deployment of the available patches across all affected systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely updates are deployed to all endpoints. The fix addresses the root cause through enhanced input validation, which aligns with defensive programming principles and helps prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Security teams should monitor for any indicators of exploitation attempts and maintain awareness of potential related vulnerabilities that may emerge from similar code patterns. The vulnerability's resolution through improved checks also emphasizes the importance of regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential memory safety issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This case study reinforces the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical role that timely patching plays in protecting against known vulnerabilities.