CVE-2025-24167 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and Safari browsers that involves incorrect association of a download's origin. This flaw arises from improper state management within the download handling process, allowing an attacker to manipulate or spoof the origin metadata of downloaded files. Such misassociation can lead to significant security risks, including the delivery of malicious content disguised as originating from trusted sources, undermining user trust and security controls that rely on origin verification. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to Safari 18.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, where the issue has been addressed. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's critical nature, with an attack vector that is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild, the potential for remote exploitation without user involvement makes this a high-risk issue. The vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to conduct supply chain attacks, deliver malware, or bypass security policies that rely on accurate origin attribution for downloads. The fix involves improved state management to correctly associate download origins, thereby restoring the integrity of download metadata and preventing spoofing.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to data security and operational integrity, particularly for those heavily reliant on Apple mobile devices and Safari browsers. The incorrect association of download origins can facilitate the delivery of malicious payloads disguised as legitimate downloads, increasing the risk of malware infections, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often use Apple devices for secure communications and data handling, could face severe confidentiality and integrity breaches. Additionally, the vulnerability could undermine trust in digital supply chains and software distribution, complicating compliance with EU data protection regulations like GDPR. The ease of exploitation without user interaction or privileges broadens the attack surface, potentially affecting a large number of users and devices across Europe. This could lead to widespread disruption, data loss, and reputational damage if exploited at scale.

European organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Apple devices and Safari browsers to versions 18.4 or later for Safari, and iOS/iPadOS 18.4 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict network monitoring to detect anomalous download behaviors and origin spoofing attempts. Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with capabilities to analyze download metadata and flag inconsistencies can provide early warning. Organizations should also enforce application whitelisting and restrict the execution of downloads from untrusted or unknown sources. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks of downloading files from unverified origins, even on trusted devices. For managed Apple environments, leveraging Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce timely updates and monitor compliance is critical. Finally, reviewing and enhancing existing security policies around software distribution and download validation will help mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.