CVE-2025-24163 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2025
The issue was addressed with improved checks. 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. Parsing a file may lead to an unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24163 represents a critical parsing flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This issue manifests when applications process certain file formats that trigger unexpected termination behavior, creating a potential denial of service condition that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during file parsing operations, where the system fails to properly handle malformed or specially crafted file structures that could cause application crashes or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-129, Input Validation, and CWE-20, Improper Input Validation, as the affected systems do not adequately validate file content before processing. When applications encounter malformed input during parsing operations, they lack proper exception handling mechanisms that would prevent abrupt termination. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to craft specific file inputs that when processed by vulnerable applications, result in application crashes or complete system termination. The flaw is particularly concerning in environments where automated file processing occurs, as it could enable exploitation through malicious file attachments or downloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-24163 extends beyond simple application instability to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, Network Denial of Service, and T1566.002, Spearphishing Attachment, as it could be leveraged to disrupt service availability or gain unauthorized access through application compromise. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystem devices for business operations face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited to create persistent service disruptions or enable further compromise through application sandbox escape techniques.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patches, which are available for iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, and tvOS 18.3. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual application termination patterns or file processing errors that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation policies, deploying application sandboxing controls, and establishing network-based detection mechanisms to identify suspicious file transfer activities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across all affected platforms, as the vulnerability affects multiple operating system versions and device types within the Apple ecosystem.