CVE-2025-24200: Apple iPadOS Authorization Bypass Flaw

CVE-2025-24200 Overview

An authorization issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iPadOS 17.7.5, iOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 18.3.1. A physical attack may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.

Critical Impact
Potential for unauthorized access through physical attack vectors that disable USB Restricted Mode, specifically targeting high-value individuals.

Affected Products

apple ipados
apple iphone_os

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to apple
Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-24200 assigned
Not Available - apple releases security patch
2025-02-10 - CVE CVE-2025-24200 published to NVD
2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-24200

Vulnerability Analysis

An issue in the authorization mechanism allowed physical attacks to disable USB Restricted Mode on locked devices, potentially compromising data security by allowing unauthorized device access.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from improper state management in the authorization module of the affected iOS and iPadOS versions.

Attack Vector

Physical access to a device allows the attacker to manipulate the state and bypass USB Restricted Mode.

// Example exploitation code (hypothetical scenario)
if (device_locked) {
    disable_usb_restricted_mode();
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24200

Indicators of Compromise

Disabled USB Restricted Mode
Unauthorized data access logs
Anomalies in device access times

Detection Strategies

Monitoring for changes in USB mode status while the device remains locked can indicate exploitation attempts.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement regular review of access logs and alert on attempted access to restricted modes when the device is observed as locked.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24200

Immediate Actions Required

Update devices to iOS 18.3.1 or iPadOS 18.3.1
Monitor for unauthorized physical access attempts
Educate high-risk individuals on enhanced physical security measures

Patch Information

The update to iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1 addresses this vulnerability by improving the authorization management system.

Workarounds

Currently, no reliable workarounds exist other than implementing physical security measures and updating to the patched versions.

bash

# Configuration example
sudo /usr/bin/update-device