CVE-2025-24097 is a permissions-related vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems such as macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, iOS 18.4, and iPadOS 18.4. The issue arises from insufficient restrictions on file metadata access, allowing an app with limited privileges (local access with some user interaction) to read arbitrary file metadata that it should not normally access. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read), indicating that the app can read data beyond its authorized boundaries. The flaw compromises confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive metadata, which could include information about file contents, system configurations, or user data patterns. However, it does not allow modification of data (integrity) or disruption of service (availability). The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.0, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, low privileges required, user interaction needed, unchanged scope, and high confidentiality impact. Apple has addressed this issue by implementing additional restrictions in the latest OS updates. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, but the vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious apps to gather sensitive information stealthily. The affected versions are unspecified but include recent releases prior to the patches. This vulnerability is relevant for environments where Apple TV devices or other Apple platforms are used, especially in enterprise or media contexts where sensitive metadata exposure could lead to further attacks or privacy violations.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24097 is the potential exposure of sensitive file metadata on Apple tvOS and related Apple platforms. This could lead to privacy breaches, leakage of confidential information, or reconnaissance opportunities for attackers to plan further exploits. Organizations relying on Apple TV devices for digital signage, media streaming, or conference room management could inadvertently expose metadata that reveals internal file structures or user activity. Although the vulnerability does not allow direct data modification or service disruption, the confidentiality breach could undermine trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but insider threats or malicious apps installed by users could exploit this flaw. Given the widespread use of Apple products in Europe, especially in countries with high Apple market penetration, the risk is non-negligible. Enterprises with strict data governance and privacy requirements must consider this vulnerability as part of their risk management. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Ensure all Apple devices, including Apple TV, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS systems, are updated promptly to versions containing the patch (macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, tvOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4). 2) Restrict installation of apps to trusted sources only, preferably through enterprise app management or Apple’s official App Store with strict vetting. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce update policies and monitor app permissions on Apple devices. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the necessity of applying updates. 5) Audit and limit local user privileges on Apple devices to reduce the likelihood of exploitation by low-privilege apps. 6) Monitor device logs for unusual access patterns to file metadata that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7) For sensitive environments, consider network segmentation of Apple TV devices to limit lateral movement if compromised. These steps go beyond generic patching by focusing on controlling app sources, user behavior, and device management to reduce attack surface and exposure.