CVE-2025-24085: Apple iPadOS Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-24085 Overview

A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3. A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 17.2.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability may allow a malicious application to elevate privileges, potentially leading to significant security risks on affected devices.

Affected Products

apple ipados
apple iphone_os
apple macos

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Apple
Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-24085 assigned
Not Available - Apple releases security patch
2025-01-27 - CVE CVE-2025-24085 published to NVD
2025-11-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-24085

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a use after free issue that occurs due to improper memory management. This flaw could allow a malicious application to exploit the memory mismanagement, leading to privilege escalation.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect handling of memory references, resulting in a use after free condition.

Attack Vector

Local attackers could exploit this issue via a crafted application on affected devices.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <stdio.h>

void exploit() {
    char *ptr = (char *)malloc(10);
    free(ptr);
    *ptr = 'E'; // Use after free vulnerability
    printf("Exploited!\n");
}

int main() {
    exploit();
    return 0;
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24085

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual application behavior
Unauthorized privilege escalation
Memory corruption errors

Detection Strategies

Detecting the CVE-2025-24085 use after free vulnerability can be accomplished by monitoring application behaviors for signs of memory access violations, tracking privilege escalations, and employing memory checking tools, such as AddressSanitizer, to identify use after free conditions.

Monitoring Recommendations

Continuous monitoring of application processes and analyzing memory access patterns can help identify exploitation attempts. Integration with SentinelOne’s advanced behavioral AI can automatically detect and mitigate such behaviors.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24085

Immediate Actions Required

Apply available patches from Apple immediately
Monitor systems for unusual activity
Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications

Patch Information

Refer to Apple’s official advisory for detailed patch information and update instructions for each affected product.

Workarounds

Users can restrict application installation to a trusted source and disable unnecessary permissions for applications that do not require them.

bash

# Configuration example
echo "Disabling untrusted app installation"
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security GKAutoRearm -bool false