CVE-2025-24264 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, iPadOS 17.7.6, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, Safari 18.4. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to an unexpected Safari crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
This vulnerability represents a memory handling issue that affects multiple Apple operating systems including visionOS, tvOS, iPadOS, iOS, and macOS. The flaw manifests when Safari processes maliciously crafted web content, potentially leading to unexpected application crashes. The vulnerability was addressed through enhanced memory management protocols and resolved in Apple's security updates released in versions 2.4, 18.4, 17.7.6, 18.4, 15.4, and 18.4 across the affected platforms. The technical nature of this issue aligns with common memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited through web-based attacks, making it particularly concerning given Safari's widespread use as a web browser.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-24264 extends beyond simple application instability, as unexpected crashes can potentially provide attackers with opportunities for more sophisticated exploitation. When Safari encounters malformed web content, the improper memory handling can cause the browser to terminate unexpectedly, which may be exploited to bypass security controls or deliver additional malicious payloads. This vulnerability particularly affects users who browse the internet regularly and encounter untrusted web content, as the crash condition can be triggered through normal web browsing activities. The fix implemented by Apple involves improved memory allocation and deallocation procedures that prevent the specific memory corruption patterns that led to the instability.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in web browser security and memory management within complex operating systems. The issue can be categorized under CWE-129, which deals with insufficient validation of length of buffers, and potentially CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations. The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through web-based delivery methods, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected systems to the patched versions, as the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against specific user groups or in broader phishing campaigns where users might be directed to malicious websites.
The remediation approach taken by Apple demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in preventing application instability and potential security breaches. The patches address the root cause by implementing more robust memory handling mechanisms that prevent the conditions leading to crashes. Security teams should monitor for any indicators of exploitation attempts and ensure that all endpoints are updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of maintaining current security configurations and user awareness regarding safe browsing practices, as users may still be exposed to risks if they do not update their systems promptly.