CVE-2025-46304 Overview
CVE-2025-46304 is a bounds checking vulnerability affecting Apple's macOS and iOS/iPadOS platforms. The vulnerability exists in the handling of Human Interface Device (HID) inputs, where insufficient bounds validation allows a malicious HID device to trigger an unexpected process crash. This issue falls under CWE-400 (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption), indicating that improper resource management in the HID processing routines can lead to denial of service conditions.
Critical Impact
A malicious HID device connected to an affected system may cause an unexpected process crash, leading to denial of service and potential disruption of user workflows.
Affected Products
- macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.7.4
- iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 18.7.5
- macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.8.4
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-11 - CVE-2025-46304 published to NVD
- 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-46304
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in Apple's HID subsystem. When processing input from Human Interface Devices (keyboards, mice, game controllers, and other USB/Bluetooth peripherals), the system fails to properly validate input boundaries before processing. This allows specially crafted HID device input to exceed expected buffer limits or consume excessive resources, ultimately causing a process crash.
The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, meaning an attacker would need physical proximity to connect a malicious HID device or trick a user into connecting one. While this limits the attack surface compared to network-exploitable vulnerabilities, it remains a concern in environments where untrusted USB devices may be connected, such as shared workspaces or public kiosks.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient bounds validation in the HID input processing routines. Apple's fix involved implementing improved bounds checks to ensure that HID device input is properly validated before being processed by the system. The CWE-400 classification indicates that the vulnerability allows uncontrolled resource consumption, where malformed HID input could exhaust system resources or overflow allocated buffers.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access with the following characteristics:
- Physical Access Required: An attacker must be able to connect a malicious HID device to the target system via USB, Bluetooth, or other supported HID transport
- User Interaction: The user may need to accept or allow the device connection, depending on system security settings
- Malicious Device: The attacking device must be specially configured to send malformed HID reports that trigger the bounds checking failure
The vulnerability does not lead to code execution or data exfiltration based on available information—the impact is limited to causing process crashes (denial of service). However, repeated exploitation could disrupt system availability and user productivity.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-46304
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected system process crashes, particularly those related to HID or IOKit subsystems
- Kernel panic logs referencing HID device handling or bounds check failures
- Unusual USB or Bluetooth device connection events in system logs
- Repeated UserEventAgent or HID-related process restarts
Detection Strategies
- Monitor system crash reports for patterns indicating HID-related failures in DiagnosticReporter or ReportCrash processes
- Implement USB device allowlisting policies to prevent unauthorized HID device connections
- Review Console.app or /var/log/system.log for HID subsystem errors
- Use endpoint detection tools to track USB device connection events and flag unknown devices
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive USB device logging on managed macOS and iOS devices
- Configure MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions to alert on new HID device pairings
- Monitor for kernel extension crashes related to IOHIDFamily.kext or similar HID drivers
- Implement SentinelOne's device control policies to monitor and restrict USB device connections
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-46304
Immediate Actions Required
- Update macOS Sequoia to version 15.7.4 or later
- Update iOS and iPadOS to version 18.7.5 or later
- Update macOS Sonoma to version 14.8.4 or later
- Restrict physical access to devices in sensitive environments
- Implement USB device policies to limit connections from unknown or untrusted devices
Patch Information
Apple has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. The patches implement improved bounds checks in the HID subsystem to prevent malformed device input from causing process crashes. Detailed information is available in Apple's security advisories:
- Apple Security Advisory for macOS Sequoia 15.7.4
- Apple Security Advisory for iOS/iPadOS 18.7.5
- Apple Security Advisory for macOS Sonoma 14.8.4
Workarounds
- Disable USB accessories when the device is locked via Settings > Face ID & Passcode (iOS) or System Settings > Privacy & Security (macOS)
- Implement organizational policies requiring only approved HID devices
- Use USB data blockers when charging devices in untrusted locations
- Consider endpoint protection solutions with USB device control capabilities
# macOS: Check current OS version
sw_vers
# macOS: Update via Software Update
softwareupdate --list
softwareupdate --install --all
# iOS: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update
# to check and install available updates
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
