CVE-2025-24217 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
This issue was addressed with improved redaction of sensitive information. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, tvOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw that existed in Apple's operating systems prior to version 18.4. The issue stems from inadequate redaction mechanisms that allowed applications to potentially access sensitive user data that should have been protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS Sequoia, indicating a systemic weakness in the operating system's data protection frameworks. The flaw likely manifested through insufficient sanitization of user data during application interactions or system processes where sensitive information was not properly stripped or obscured before being made available to applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability appears to involve gaps in the operating system's data handling protocols where sensitive user information remained accessible through application interfaces or system calls. This could involve improper memory management, inadequate input validation, or flawed data filtering mechanisms that failed to properly redact sensitive content. The issue aligns with common weakness patterns identified in the CWE database, particularly those related to information exposure and inadequate data sanitization. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability through malicious applications that attempt to access or extract sensitive user information through legitimate application interfaces that were not properly secured against data leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could enable sophisticated attacks where applications gain unauthorized access to personal information, credentials, or other sensitive data that users expect to be protected. This type of vulnerability creates opportunities for data breaches, identity theft, and privacy violations that could affect millions of users across Apple's ecosystem. The vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms suggests that attackers could potentially leverage it across different device types, increasing the attack surface and potential impact. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability would fall under the attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework, specifically those related to credential access and data exposure.
The fix implemented by Apple in versions 18.4 and later addresses this vulnerability through enhanced redaction mechanisms that properly sanitize sensitive information before it becomes accessible to applications. This update likely includes improvements to the operating system's data filtering systems, enhanced memory protection protocols, and strengthened input validation processes. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates to mitigate the risk of unauthorized data access. The remediation approach demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing information disclosure vulnerabilities through systematic improvements to their data protection infrastructure, aligning with industry best practices for securing user information in mobile and desktop operating systems.