CVE-2025-46300 Overview
CVE-2025-46300 is a bounds checking vulnerability in Apple macOS and iOS/iPadOS that affects the Human Interface Device (HID) handling subsystem. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checks when processing input from HID devices, which can lead to unexpected process crashes when a malicious HID device is connected to an affected system.
Critical Impact
A malicious HID device may cause an unexpected process crash, resulting in denial of service conditions on affected Apple systems.
Affected Products
- macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.7.4
- iOS versions prior to 18.7.5 and iPadOS versions prior to 18.7.5
- macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.8.4
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-11 - CVE-2025-46300 published to NVD
- 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-46300
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer), indicating a memory boundary condition flaw within Apple's HID device handling code. The flaw allows a specially crafted malicious HID device to send input that exceeds expected buffer boundaries, causing the system to crash the affected process.
The vulnerability requires local access to the system and user interaction (such as connecting a physical HID device), which limits the attack surface. However, the potential for denial of service through process crashes makes this a significant concern for enterprise environments where physical security may be compromised or where USB devices are routinely connected.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-46300 lies in insufficient bounds checking within the HID device driver or related kernel-level components. When processing descriptor data or input reports from HID devices, the affected code fails to properly validate that buffer operations remain within allocated memory boundaries. This improper memory buffer restriction allows malformed HID data to trigger out-of-bounds memory access, leading to process instability and crashes.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires physical access to connect a malicious HID device to the target system. An attacker would need to craft a specially designed USB or Bluetooth HID device (such as a keyboard, mouse, or game controller) that sends malformed descriptor or input data designed to exploit the bounds checking flaw.
The exploitation scenario involves:
- Attacker creates or modifies a HID device to send malformed data packets
- Victim connects the malicious device to their macOS or iOS/iPadOS system
- The HID subsystem processes the malformed data without proper bounds validation
- Memory corruption occurs, causing the affected process to crash
- This can result in denial of service or system instability
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-46300
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process crashes correlated with HID device connection events
- System log entries indicating kernel panics or crashes in HID-related components
- Repeated crash reports from IOHIDFamily or related I/O Kit drivers
- Unusual USB or Bluetooth HID device enumeration in system logs
Detection Strategies
- Monitor system crash logs (/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/) for HID-related kernel panics
- Implement endpoint detection rules to alert on multiple process crashes following USB device connections
- Review Console.app or log stream output for HID subsystem error messages
- Deploy SentinelOne agents to detect anomalous system behavior patterns associated with DoS attacks
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for USB and Bluetooth device connections on critical systems
- Configure alerts for repeated system instability events on macOS and iOS endpoints
- Implement USB device whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized HID device connections
- Regularly audit connected devices and monitor for unknown or suspicious HID hardware
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-46300
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all affected Apple devices to the patched versions immediately
- Restrict physical access to critical macOS and iOS devices
- Implement USB device control policies to prevent unauthorized HID device connections
- Review and audit any recently connected HID devices on affected systems
Patch Information
Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability with improved bounds checks. Update to the following versions or later:
- macOS Sequoia 15.7.4 - See Apple Support Document #126347
- macOS Sonoma 14.8.4 - See Apple Support Document #126350
- iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5 - See Apple Support Document #126349
Workarounds
- Disable automatic mounting of USB devices where possible
- Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies to restrict USB accessory connections on iOS/iPadOS devices
- Use USB port blockers or disable USB ports on systems where HID input is not required
- Enable strict USB device authorization policies through configuration profiles
# Check current macOS version
sw_vers
# Example: Block USB storage on managed Macs via MDM profile
# Deploy a configuration profile restricting USB device classes
# This can be configured through Apple Business Manager or Jamf
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
