CVE-2025-30434 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
The issue was addressed with improved input sanitization. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to a cross site scripting attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a cross site scripting flaw that emerged in Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 18.4. The security issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms within the affected applications or system components that process user-supplied data. When users encounter maliciously crafted files, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing, creating an exploitable condition that could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications or interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic weakness in web application security where insufficient data validation permits tainted input to be executed in the context of a user's session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious file that, when processed by the affected system, triggers the cross site scripting condition. This typically involves embedding malicious javascript code within file attributes, metadata, or content that gets interpreted by web browsers or web-based applications. The flaw likely exists in how the system handles file parsing or rendering operations, particularly when dealing with user-provided content that could contain script tags or other malicious constructs. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting attacks, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1566.001 for initial access through malicious files or links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, manipulate web content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. Mobile users are particularly at risk since iOS and iPadOS applications often handle a wide variety of file types and user-generated content, creating multiple potential attack vectors. The vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access to user accounts, particularly if the malicious file is opened in web-based applications or email clients that render content directly in the browser context. Organizations using these operating systems face potential data breaches, credential theft, and unauthorized access to corporate resources through this vector.
Apple's resolution through iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 demonstrates the company's proactive approach to addressing security vulnerabilities through improved input sanitization mechanisms. The fix likely involves enhanced validation of file content, stricter parsing of user-supplied data, and more robust sanitization routines that prevent malicious scripts from being executed in web contexts. Organizations should prioritize updating to these versions immediately to protect their users from potential exploitation. Additional mitigations include implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls, restricting file type handling in enterprise environments, and educating users about the risks of opening untrusted files from unknown sources. Security teams should also monitor for any related vulnerabilities that might exploit similar input validation weaknesses in other system components or third-party applications that might be installed on affected devices.