CVE-2025-24201 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 that affects Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Safari, watchOS, and visionOS platforms. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking in the Web Content sandbox, which is designed to isolate web content from the underlying operating system to prevent unauthorized access or code execution. An attacker can craft malicious web content that exploits this flaw to escape the sandbox environment, gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This escalation of privileges can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and disruption of device availability. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction or prior authentication, making it exploitable remotely via web content delivery. Apple has released patches in multiple OS versions (e.g., iOS 18.3.2, iPadOS 18.3.2, macOS Sequoia 15.3.2) to address the issue by implementing improved bounds checking and sandbox enforcement. This vulnerability is a supplementary fix following an earlier attack blocked in iOS 17.2, with credible reports of exploitation in highly sophisticated targeted attacks against specific individuals on earlier iOS versions. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 10.0, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability’s presence across multiple Apple platforms and versions increases its attack surface and potential impact.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24201 is significant due to the widespread use of Apple devices in both consumer and enterprise environments. The ability for attackers to escape the Web Content sandbox and execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges can lead to complete device takeover, data breaches involving sensitive personal or corporate information, espionage, and disruption of critical services. Targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability could compromise executives, government officials, journalists, and other high-value individuals, potentially leading to intellectual property theft or political espionage. The critical nature of the vulnerability and its exploitation without user interaction make it a high-risk threat for sectors such as finance, government, defense, and healthcare. Additionally, organizations relying on Apple’s ecosystem for mobile productivity and communication may face operational disruptions and reputational damage if devices are compromised. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability also raises concerns for organizations using mixed Apple environments, including macOS and watchOS devices.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the latest security updates from Apple across all affected platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Safari, watchOS, and visionOS. Network-level controls should be implemented to restrict access to untrusted or suspicious web content, including the use of secure web gateways and DNS filtering. Organizations should enforce strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to ensure timely patching and compliance. Monitoring and detection capabilities should be enhanced to identify anomalous behaviors indicative of sandbox escape or privilege escalation attempts. User education should emphasize caution when accessing unknown web content, although this vulnerability does not require user interaction. For high-risk users, consider isolating devices or limiting their exposure to potentially malicious web resources. Incident response plans should be updated to address potential exploitation scenarios involving this vulnerability. Finally, organizations should collaborate with threat intelligence providers to stay informed about any emerging exploit activity targeting this CVE.