CVE-2025-24107 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, tvOS, and watchOS, caused by a permissions issue that allows a malicious application to escalate privileges to root level. The root cause relates to insufficient permission restrictions (CWE-276), which Apple has mitigated by implementing additional restrictions in the affected OS versions. The vulnerability allows an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) and local access (AV:L) to gain full root privileges without requiring user interaction (UI:N), which significantly increases the risk of stealthy exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker could fully control the device, access sensitive data, modify system files, or disrupt device operations. Although no public exploits are known yet, the vulnerability’s nature makes it a critical concern for environments where Apple devices are used, especially in enterprise or government contexts. The fix is included in Apple’s 18.3 and 15.3 releases for the respective platforms, emphasizing the importance of timely updates.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows a malicious app to gain root privileges, effectively granting complete control over the affected device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, installation of persistent malware, bypassing of security controls, and disruption of device functionality. For organizations, this could mean data breaches, espionage, loss of intellectual property, and operational downtime. The ability to escalate privileges without user interaction increases the risk of silent compromise, making detection and prevention more challenging. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in both consumer and enterprise environments, the potential impact is significant, especially in sectors handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure.

Organizations and users should immediately update affected Apple devices to iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, tvOS 18.3, and watchOS 11.3 or later versions where the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict app vetting policies, limiting app installations to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and monitor device integrity. Regularly audit installed applications and remove any that are unnecessary or suspicious. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying unusual privilege escalation behaviors. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and maintain robust backup and incident response plans to recover from potential compromises.