CVE-2025-24085 is a critical use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting Apple visionOS and multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, watchOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management that allows a maliciously crafted application to exploit a freed memory object, leading to privilege escalation. This flaw enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, bypassing security controls without requiring user interaction or prior authentication. The vulnerability affects versions prior to visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, and tvOS 18.3. Apple has confirmed active exploitation attempts targeting iOS versions before 17.2, highlighting the real-world risk. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 10.0, reflecting the vulnerability's critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, ease of remote exploitation (network attack vector), and the absence of required privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability was addressed by improved memory management in the specified patched versions. Due to the widespread use of Apple devices in consumer and enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to device security and data protection.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24085 is severe. Exploitation can lead to full system compromise on affected Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and visionOS devices. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which rely heavily on Apple devices for secure communications and operations, face heightened risks. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited without user interaction or authentication increases the likelihood of successful attacks, potentially enabling espionage, data theft, or sabotage. Additionally, the active exploitation reports suggest attackers are already targeting this flaw, increasing urgency for European organizations to respond. Failure to patch promptly could lead to widespread compromise, reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR, and financial losses.

European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple: visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, and tvOS 18.3. Until patching is complete, restrict device usage to trusted applications only by enforcing strict app whitelisting and disabling installation from untrusted sources. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control device compliance with security policies. Conduct thorough audits of Apple devices to identify any signs of compromise or suspicious activity. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and encourage prompt reporting of unusual device behavior. Network segmentation should be used to limit the impact of compromised devices. Additionally, enable and monitor Apple’s built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Endpoint Security Framework. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving Apple device compromise. Finally, collaborate with cybersecurity vendors to leverage threat intelligence feeds for early detection of exploitation attempts.