CVE-2025-24257 Overview
CVE-2025-24257 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation. A malicious application running locally can trigger unexpected system termination or write to kernel memory. Apple addressed the issue through improved input validation across affected platforms.
The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction. Successful exploitation impacts integrity and availability of the host operating system. Apple shipped fixes in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, visionOS 2.4, and watchOS 11.4.
Critical Impact
A local application can corrupt kernel memory or crash the system, providing a path toward kernel-level compromise on unpatched Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (prior to 18.4)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.4)
- Apple visionOS (prior to 2.4) and watchOS (prior to 11.4)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-31 - CVE-2025-24257 published to NVD
- 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24257
Vulnerability Analysis
The defect is an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in an Apple operating system component shared across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and watchOS. The affected code path accepts attacker-controlled input without enforcing proper bounds, allowing data to be written past the end of an allocated buffer.
When the write touches kernel-managed memory, the consequences include immediate process or kernel panic, corruption of adjacent data structures, and potential modification of privileged state. Apple's advisories describe the outcome as unexpected system termination or write kernel memory, indicating the boundary failure crosses the user/kernel trust boundary.
The vulnerability requires a local attack vector with low complexity and user interaction. No privileges are required to attempt exploitation, but the attacker must convince a user to run a malicious application.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation of length, offset, or index parameters supplied by user-mode code before a memory write operation. Apple's fix description, addressed with improved input validation, confirms that the original code trusted attacker-supplied values when computing buffer boundaries.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a crafted application to the target device through normal distribution channels. When the user launches the app, it issues a malformed request to the vulnerable kernel interface. The kernel performs the unchecked write, producing either a denial-of-service condition or memory corruption that may be chained with additional primitives for privilege escalation.
No proof-of-concept code is publicly available in the references. Refer to the Apple Support Article 122371, Apple Support Article 122373, and Apple Support Article 122378 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24257
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or system reboots correlated with the launch of a recently installed application.
- Crash reports in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ referencing kernel components or out-of-bounds memory access.
- Applications attempting to invoke unusual or undocumented kernel interfaces from user space.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Apple devices and flag any running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, or watchOS versions below the patched releases (18.4, 15.4, 2.4, 11.4).
- Collect and centrally analyze panic logs and ips crash files to identify repeated faults that match kernel write-violation signatures.
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for newly installed applications followed by abnormal system stability events.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward macOS Unified Logs and iOS crash diagnostics to a centralized analytics platform for correlation.
- Alert on processes that crash the system within a short window after installation or first launch.
- Track compliance with Apple's quarterly security update cadence at the fleet level.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24257
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all affected devices to iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, visionOS 2.4, or watchOS 11.4 or later.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications, particularly on managed corporate devices, until patching is complete.
- Review and remove sideloaded or recently installed applications from unknown developers on unpatched endpoints.
Patch Information
Apple released the fix on March 31, 2025, in the following updates: iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, visionOS 2.4, and watchOS 11.4. Patch details are documented in Apple Support Article 122371, Apple Support Article 122373, Apple Support Article 122376, and Apple Support Article 122378.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists. Apply the official update as the only supported remediation.
- On managed fleets, enforce application allowlisting through MDM to limit exposure to untrusted code while patches roll out.
- Disable installation from unknown sources and require code-signed applications on all managed Apple endpoints.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
