CVE-2025-24127 Overview
CVE-2025-24127 is a file parsing vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. Parsing a malformed file may trigger an unexpected application termination, resulting in a denial of service condition. Apple addressed the issue with improved input checks across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, and it does not impact confidentiality or integrity. The issue is tracked under [CWE-770] (Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling).
Critical Impact
A crafted file can cause an application to terminate unexpectedly, disrupting availability on Apple endpoints running unpatched OS versions.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 18.3, and iPadOS prior to 17.7.4)
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.3, macOS Sonoma prior to 14.7.3, macOS Ventura prior to 13.7.3
- Apple tvOS prior to 18.3 and visionOS prior to 2.3
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-27 - CVE-2025-24127 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24127
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the file parsing logic used by Apple operating systems. When an affected component processes a malformed file, insufficient validation of parsed structures leads to an unexpected termination of the target application. The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must deliver the malicious file to the victim through email, messaging, removable media, or a shared file location. User interaction is required to open or preview the file. The impact is limited to availability; the flaw does not disclose data or allow modification of system state.
Root Cause
Apple's advisory describes the fix as "improved checks," indicating that the underlying parser did not adequately validate one or more fields within the affected file format. The [CWE-770] classification suggests the parser could allocate resources without appropriate limits when handling attacker-controlled input, causing the process to terminate abnormally.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious file and delivers it to a user on a vulnerable Apple device. Opening or previewing the file with the affected application triggers the parsing bug and terminates the process. The attacker gains no direct code execution or data access, but repeated exploitation can disrupt user workflows and productivity on affected endpoints.
See the Apple advisories for the affected platforms: Apple Support Article #122066, Apple Support Article #122067, Apple Support Article #122068, Apple Support Article #122069, Apple Support Article #122070, Apple Support Article #122072, and Apple Support Article #122073.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24127
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated unexpected application terminations coinciding with opening a specific file received via email, messaging, or download
- Crash reports in ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ on macOS referencing the affected parser or foundation frameworks
- Delivery of unusual file attachments from untrusted sources shortly before crash events
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for abnormal process termination events on Apple devices running unpatched OS versions
- Correlate crash logs with file open events to identify potentially malicious source files
- Aggregate crash and diagnostic reports across the fleet to identify clustering that indicates targeted delivery
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track OS build versions across managed Apple endpoints via MDM to identify devices missing the January 2025 updates
- Alert on inbound files matching known malicious hashes or delivered from untrusted senders to Apple endpoints
- Review Apple's advisories referenced in the Full Disclosure Mailing List Post #12 and related January 2025 posts for related crash patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24127
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade affected devices to iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.3, tvOS 18.3, or visionOS 2.3
- Inventory Apple endpoints through Mobile Device Management (MDM) to confirm patch deployment status
- Instruct users to avoid opening unexpected file attachments from untrusted sources until patching is complete
Patch Information
Apple released fixes on January 27, 2025 across multiple operating systems. Refer to the vendor advisories listed above for platform-specific update instructions. The fix improves validation checks in the affected file parsing routines.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of untrusted file attachments on unpatched Apple devices
- Enforce email and messaging attachment filtering at the gateway to remove suspicious file types
- Isolate legacy Apple devices that cannot be updated to a supported OS release from sensitive workflows
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
