CVE-2025-30439 in visionOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in visionOS 2.4, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4. An attacker with physical access to a locked device may be able to view sensitive user information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in Apple's operating systems that allows unauthorized access to sensitive user data through physical device compromise. The issue specifically affects visionOS 2.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and authentication mechanisms that fail to properly protect user data when a device is locked, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited by attackers with physical possession of the device.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient validation of user authentication status when attempting to access sensitive information on locked devices. This weakness falls under the category of improper access control mechanisms and can be categorized as CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control implementations. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal authentication procedures and potentially extract personal data, communications, or other confidential information stored on the device. This type of flaw represents a critical failure in the security model that should prevent unauthorized access to user data even when device locks are engaged.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security assumptions that users rely upon when their devices are locked. Attackers with physical access can potentially exploit this weakness to access personal communications, financial information, health data, and other sensitive content that should remain protected even when the device appears secure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1550.001, which covers use of valid accounts, as it allows unauthorized access through legitimate device usage scenarios. The threat is particularly concerning because it operates at the device level and requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it a significant risk for all users who rely on device security for data protection.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, as these releases contain the necessary security improvements to address the access control weakness. Users should also consider implementing additional security measures such as strong passcode policies, biometric authentication, and regular security audits of their device configurations. Organizations should ensure comprehensive deployment of these updates across all managed devices and consider additional protective measures like encryption at rest and secure boot processes. The fix implemented in these versions likely includes enhanced validation of authentication states and improved enforcement of access controls that prevent unauthorized data access even when physical device access is granted to unauthenticated parties.