CVE-2025-24205 is an authorization vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as macOS variants, that allows a malicious app to access user-sensitive data improperly. The root cause is an authorization issue related to insufficient state management within the operating system’s security controls. This flaw enables an app, without requiring any special privileges, to bypass intended access restrictions and read sensitive information that should otherwise be protected. Exploitation requires local access to the device and user interaction, such as launching or interacting with the malicious app. The CVSS v3.1 score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity, primarily due to the high confidentiality impact but limited scope and the need for user involvement. Apple has released patches in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and 17.7.6, and macOS Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5 to address this issue by improving state management and authorization checks. No public exploits or active attacks have been reported to date, but the vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive data exposure if left unpatched. The weakness is categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), emphasizing the failure to enforce correct authorization policies. This vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous access control enforcement in mobile operating systems to protect user data privacy.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24205 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on Apple mobile devices. This could include personal information, corporate data, or credentials stored or accessible on iOS and iPadOS devices used within enterprises. The confidentiality breach could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability, the risk is confined to data leakage rather than system disruption. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or social engineering could facilitate attacks. Organizations with mobile device management (MDM) policies and BYOD programs relying on Apple devices are particularly exposed. The vulnerability may also affect sectors handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies across Europe. Prompt patching is critical to mitigate risks and maintain compliance with data protection regulations.

1. Immediately deploy the official Apple security updates for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and 17.7.6, and macOS Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5 across all managed devices. 2. Enforce strict app installation policies via MDM solutions to limit installation to trusted sources and vetted applications. 3. Educate users about the risk of interacting with untrusted apps and the importance of installing updates promptly. 4. Implement application permission reviews to restrict access to sensitive data and device capabilities. 5. Monitor device logs and behavior for unusual access patterns or data exfiltration attempts. 6. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying suspicious app activities on iOS/iPadOS. 7. For high-risk environments, consider restricting the use of personal devices or enforcing containerization to isolate corporate data. 8. Regularly audit compliance with patch management policies and verify that all devices run updated OS versions. 9. Coordinate with Apple support for any advanced threat intelligence or mitigation guidance. 10. Prepare incident response plans to address potential data leakage scenarios stemming from this vulnerability.