CVE-2025-24243 Overview
CVE-2025-24243 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to arbitrary code execution on the target device. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The flaw is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code).
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the application processing the malicious file, potentially leading to full device compromise.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (fixed in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and iPadOS 17.7.6)
- Apple macOS (fixed in Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5, and Ventura 13.7.5)
- Apple tvOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, and watchOS 11.4
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-31 - CVE-2025-24243 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24243
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper memory handling when Apple operating systems parse a maliciously crafted file. Attackers can craft a file that triggers memory corruption during processing, leading to arbitrary code execution within the affected application's context. The flaw is mapped to CWE-94, indicating improper control over code generation paths reachable through file parsing.
Exploitation requires user interaction. A target must open or process the malicious file through a vulnerable parser. The attack vector is local, meaning the file must be delivered to the device through email attachments, downloads, messaging applications, or removable media.
Root Cause
Apple's advisory attributes the issue to insufficient memory handling logic within the affected file parsing components. Apple states the fix involved "improved memory handling," indicating bounds checking or allocation logic was strengthened. The EPSS score is 0.482% (percentile 37.986), reflecting limited active exploitation indicators at the time of writing.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a crafted file to the target device. When the user opens the file with a vulnerable application, the parser triggers a memory corruption condition. The attacker leverages the corruption to redirect execution flow and run arbitrary code with the privileges of the parsing process. No specific public proof-of-concept code is available, and Apple has not disclosed the affected file format or component beyond the generic memory-handling description in its support documents.
See the Apple Support Document 122371 and related advisories for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24243
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected application crashes or hangs when opening files received from untrusted sources.
- Crash reports referencing memory access violations in file parsing libraries.
- New or unauthorized child processes spawning from applications that handle documents or media files.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for abnormal process behavior originating from file-handling applications on macOS and iOS-family devices.
- Inspect file delivery channels (email, messaging, download proxies) for suspicious file types targeting Apple platforms.
- Correlate crash diagnostics from ReportCrash and DiagnosticReports directories with subsequent suspicious activity.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track OS build numbers across the fleet to verify devices have received the patched releases.
- Alert on attempts to disable Gatekeeper, XProtect, or other macOS file vetting mechanisms.
- Centralize macOS Unified Logs and endpoint events for retroactive hunting on suspicious file opens.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24243
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, iPadOS 17.7.6, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, or watchOS 11.4.
- Inventory devices running unsupported OS versions and prioritize their remediation.
- Restrict opening of files from untrusted sources until updates are deployed.
Patch Information
Apple released patches addressing CVE-2025-24243 across its supported operating systems. Refer to the vendor advisories for installation guidance: Apple Support Document 122371, 122372, 122373, 122374, 122375, 122377, and 122378.
Workarounds
- Avoid opening files from unknown or untrusted sources on affected devices.
- Enforce mobile device management (MDM) policies that mandate prompt OS updates.
- Use email and web gateways to block or sandbox suspicious file types before they reach endpoints.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
