CVE-2025-24150 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems that arises from improper handling of URLs copied from the Web Inspector developer tool. Specifically, when a user copies a URL from the Web Inspector, the system fails to properly sanitize or neutralize special characters, leading to a command injection vulnerability (CWE-77). This means that an attacker with local privileges can craft a malicious URL that, when copied, triggers execution of arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3, all of which include fixes for this issue. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8 (high), reflecting the network attack vector (remote network access is not required but local privileges are), low attack complexity, no user interaction, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have local privileges, such as a logged-in user or a compromised account. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential impact is significant due to the ability to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on January 27, 2025, with Apple addressing it in the latest OS and browser updates. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for developers and system administrators who use the Web Inspector tool, as it could be exploited by malicious insiders or malware that gains local access.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24150 is considerable, especially in sectors where Apple devices are prevalent, such as creative industries, education, and certain government agencies. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, including unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and service disruption. This could result in data breaches, loss of intellectual property, and operational downtime. The vulnerability's requirement for local privileges means that attackers must first gain some form of access, which could be achieved through phishing, malware, or insider threats. In environments with shared or poorly controlled access, the risk increases. Additionally, organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure or development environments may face increased risk of lateral movement and persistent compromise. The lack of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive patching, but the high severity score indicates that delayed remediation could lead to serious security incidents.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24150, European organizations should immediately update all affected Apple products to macOS Sequoia 15.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict local access controls, limiting Web Inspector usage to trusted personnel only. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of commands and monitor local user activities for suspicious behavior related to Web Inspector usage. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting command injection patterns and unusual process executions. Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce the risk of initial local compromise through phishing or social engineering. Additionally, consider disabling or restricting developer tools like Web Inspector on production or sensitive systems where possible. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation.