CVE-2025-24206
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an authentication bypass vulnerability in multiple Apple operating systems where an attacker on the local network can circumvent authentication policies. The issue affects macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, iOS, and visionOS. It was caused by improper state management during authentication processes.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- tvOS
- iPadOS
- iOS
- visionOS
📦 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 →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
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker on the same local network could gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems or data without valid credentials, potentially leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or system compromise.
Likely Case
Local network attackers bypassing authentication to access restricted network services or administrative interfaces they shouldn't have access to.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to isolated network segments with minimal sensitive assets.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local network access but no authentication; Apple has addressed this in security updates.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, iPadOS 17.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122371
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install the latest available update for your operating system. 3. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate vulnerable devices on separate network segments to limit attack surface
Disable Unnecessary Services
allTurn off network services that aren't required for device functionality
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls and segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices
- Monitor network traffic for unusual authentication attempts or policy bypass activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your current OS version against the patched versions listed in the fix informationCheck Version:
On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that your device is running one of the patched versions listed in the fix information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
- Authentication policy violations
- Unexpected successful logins from network locations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual authentication traffic patterns
- Authentication bypass attempts on network services
SIEM Query:
source="apple_auth_logs" AND (event_type="policy_violation" OR (auth_result="success" AND previous_auth_result="fail"))