CVE-2025-24128 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and Safari browser that enables address bar spoofing when a user visits a malicious website. Address bar spoofing is a type of UI redress attack where the displayed URL in the browser’s address bar is manipulated to show a false or misleading address, potentially tricking users into believing they are on a legitimate site. This can facilitate phishing attacks, credential theft, or delivery of malware by exploiting user trust. The vulnerability affects macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.3, Safari versions before 18.3, as well as iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 18.3. The root cause relates to insufficient validation or logic in the browser’s rendering of the address bar content, which Apple has corrected by implementing additional logic checks. The CVSS v3.1 score is 4.3 (medium), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, requires no privileges, but does require user interaction (visiting a malicious site). The impact is limited to integrity, as it does not allow direct code execution, data disclosure, or denial of service. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for social engineering attacks remains significant. This vulnerability highlights the importance of browser UI integrity in preventing phishing and fraud. Apple’s timely patching in the latest OS and browser versions mitigates the risk.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24128 is the increased risk of successful phishing and social engineering attacks leveraging address bar spoofing. This can lead to credential compromise, unauthorized access, and potential downstream breaches if attackers trick users into submitting sensitive information or downloading malware. Financial institutions, government agencies, and enterprises with high-value data are particularly vulnerable to such deception. The vulnerability does not directly compromise system confidentiality or availability but undermines user trust in browser security indicators, which can have cascading effects on organizational security posture. Organizations relying heavily on Apple devices and Safari browsers are at greater risk, especially if users are not promptly updated to patched versions. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future attacks exploiting this flaw. Attackers may combine this vulnerability with other social engineering tactics to increase success rates. Overall, the impact is moderate but significant in contexts where phishing is a major threat vector.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Expedite deployment of macOS Sequoia 15.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3 updates across all Apple devices to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2) Enforce strict update policies and verify compliance through endpoint management solutions. 3) Educate users about the risks of address bar spoofing and encourage vigilance when clicking links, especially from unsolicited emails or messages. 4) Deploy advanced email filtering and anti-phishing tools that can detect and block malicious URLs before reaching users. 5) Use browser extensions or security tools that validate URL authenticity or provide enhanced phishing detection. 6) Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to phishing campaigns targeting Apple users. 7) Incorporate multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the impact of credential compromise resulting from phishing. 8) Conduct phishing simulation exercises to raise awareness and test user response. These targeted actions go beyond generic patching and address the social engineering risks introduced by this vulnerability.