CVE-2025-24159
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a validation logic vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Attackers could gain full system control by exploiting this flaw.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- visionOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, bypass security controls, and maintain persistent access to the device.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains kernel privileges to bypass sandbox restrictions, access protected data, or install additional payloads.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched, have app installation restrictions, and follow security best practices with minimal user privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or convincing users to install malicious applications. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122066
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS/visionOS. 2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allLimit app installation to App Store only to prevent malicious applications from being installed.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized app installation
- Segment vulnerable devices from critical network resources and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions list. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. On macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS version.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS/visionOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: sw_vers or System Settings > General > About > macOS version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix information.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Unauthorized process execution with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from kernel-level processes
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_extension_load" OR event="privilege_escalation") AND device_version < "patched_version"🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122066
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122067
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122068
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122069
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122071
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122072
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122073
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jan/13
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jan/14
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jan/15
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jan/16
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jan/18
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jan/19
