CVE-2025-24252
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows local network attackers to corrupt process memory. This affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- 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
Remote code execution with kernel or system-level privileges, leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Application or system crashes (denial of service) or limited code execution in vulnerable processes.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched; network segmentation reduces attack surface.
🎯 Exploit Status
No public exploit code known. Attack complexity is medium due to memory corruption requirements.
🛠️ 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, 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 available updates. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate Apple devices on separate VLANs or network segments to limit local network attack surface.
Disable Unnecessary Services
allTurn off network services not required for device functionality.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit communication with vulnerable devices.
- Monitor for unusual network activity or crashes on affected systems.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version in Settings > General > About on iOS/iPadOS or Apple menu > About This Mac on macOS.Check Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or Settings app (iOS/iPadOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm version matches patched versions listed in affected_systems.versions.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process crashes
- Kernel panic logs
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual local network traffic to Apple devices
- Suspicious network scanning
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="crash" OR event="panic")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122371
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122372
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122374
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122375
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122377
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122378
- https://github.com/cakescats/airborn-IOS-CVE-2025-24252/blob/main/airborn_arts_CVE-2025-24252_extractor.sh
