CVE-2025-24150 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
A privacy issue was addressed with improved handling of files. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Copying a URL from Web Inspector may lead to command injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24150 represents a privacy concern that was resolved through enhanced file handling mechanisms within Apple's ecosystem. This issue specifically affects macOS Sequoia 15.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3 operating systems. The flaw manifests when users copy URLs from the Web Inspector component, creating a potential vector for command injection attacks that could compromise system integrity and user privacy. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of URL data during copy operations, allowing maliciously crafted URLs to execute unintended commands when processed by the system.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Web Inspector interface where users can copy URLs that contain malicious command sequences. When these URLs are pasted or processed by the system, the improper handling allows command injection to occur, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a significant security gap that aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS command construction. The flaw operates at the intersection of web interface security and system command execution, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-24150 extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute commands that might include file manipulation, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent access mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all Apple platforms that incorporate the affected software versions, creating a widespread attack surface across desktop and mobile environments. This issue demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in web debugging interfaces, as the Web Inspector component serves as a legitimate tool for developers while simultaneously providing an attack vector when not properly secured. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of commands through improper input handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-24150 center on immediate system updates to the patched versions of macOS, Safari, iOS, and iPadOS. Users should prioritize installing the latest security updates from Apple to ensure protection against this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish secure development practices for web debugging interfaces. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting access to Web Inspector functionality where possible to reduce the attack surface. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause through enhanced URL sanitization and improved input validation mechanisms that prevent command injection during copy operations.