CVE-2025-24159 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
A validation issue was addressed with improved logic. This issue is fixed in iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical validation flaw that could enable malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within Apple's operating system frameworks, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS across various versions, indicating a systemic weakness in the platform's security architecture. The fix implemented in the patched versions demonstrates Apple's recognition of the severity, as kernel-level privilege escalation represents one of the most dangerous categories of vulnerabilities in operating systems.
The technical nature of this flaw suggests that an application could bypass existing security checks through malformed inputs or unexpected parameter handling within system APIs. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate system behavior through malicious inputs. The ability to execute code with kernel privileges indicates that the validation issue likely occurs in system-level components where privilege boundaries are not properly enforced. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain root access, install persistent backdoors, or compromise the entire system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond individual device compromise, as it represents a potential threat to enterprise security environments where iOS and macOS devices are extensively deployed. Organizations relying on Apple's ecosystem for mobile device management, corporate communications, and sensitive data processing face significant risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The exploitability of kernel-level vulnerabilities typically requires a user interaction or application installation, making it particularly concerning for environments with less stringent security controls. This vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access, monitor network traffic, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malware payloads that would otherwise be blocked by standard security measures.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of the patched operating system versions across all affected devices, as the vulnerability represents a high-severity threat requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement comprehensive device monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify any related attack patterns. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Apple device fleets to ensure complete patch coverage and consider implementing additional security controls such as mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies. The remediation process should also include user education about the importance of keeping systems updated and the potential risks of installing untrusted applications that could exploit such privilege escalation vulnerabilities.