CVE-2025-24213 is a type confusion vulnerability classified under CWE-843, affecting Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems such as Safari, iPadOS, iOS, macOS Sequoia, watchOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of floating-point data types, which leads to type confusion and subsequent memory corruption. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker with local access who can trick a user into interacting with malicious content, potentially causing arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges but does require user interaction, such as opening a crafted file or visiting a malicious webpage. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved float handling and is fixed in tvOS 18.5 and corresponding updates across other Apple platforms. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with a vector showing local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for memory corruption and full system compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk particularly to those using Apple devices within their infrastructure, including Apple TV devices, iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. The potential impact includes unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, alteration or destruction of data, and denial of service through system crashes or arbitrary code execution. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems for media, communication, or operational technology could face disruptions or data breaches. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users might be targeted with malicious content or insider threats exist. The broad range of affected Apple platforms increases the attack surface, making comprehensive patch management critical. Failure to patch could lead to exploitation in targeted attacks or malware campaigns, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems.

European organizations should implement a targeted patch management strategy to ensure all Apple devices are updated to the fixed versions: tvOS 18.5, Safari 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, and visionOS 2.5. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict local access controls and limit user permissions to reduce the risk of exploitation. User education campaigns should emphasize the dangers of interacting with untrusted content or links, especially on Apple devices. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious memory corruption behaviors. Network segmentation can help isolate vulnerable devices from critical infrastructure. Additionally, organizations should audit and restrict the use of Apple TV devices in sensitive environments where possible. Regular vulnerability scanning and compliance checks should verify patch deployment. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential exploitation consequences.