CVE-2025-24214 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS. The root cause stems from the system logging the contents of text fields, which may inadvertently expose sensitive user data to applications. This logging behavior violates the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality by allowing apps to access data they should not see. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in the 18.4 updates for tvOS, iOS, and iPadOS, as well as visionOS 2.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4, by ceasing the logging of text field contents. The CVSS 3.1 score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction (UI:R). The impact is high on confidentiality (C:H) but none on integrity or availability. The CWE classification is CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating that the vulnerability arises from insufficient restrictions on access to sensitive data. No public exploits have been reported, suggesting limited or no active exploitation. The vulnerability primarily affects apps running on Apple devices that handle user input fields, potentially exposing sensitive information such as passwords, personal data, or other confidential inputs if the device is compromised or malicious apps are installed.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses a privacy risk by potentially exposing sensitive user data entered into text fields on Apple devices, particularly Apple TV devices used in corporate or home environments. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, impacting user privacy and potentially violating data protection regulations such as GDPR. While the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach could undermine trust in Apple platforms and lead to reputational damage. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on Apple ecosystems, such as media, entertainment, and creative industries, may be more exposed. Additionally, environments where Apple TV devices are used for presentations or sensitive communications could be targeted. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering could still leverage this vulnerability. Overall, the impact is moderate but significant enough to warrant timely remediation to avoid privacy violations and compliance issues.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24214, European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the fixed versions: tvOS 18.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. This update disables the logging of sensitive text field contents, directly addressing the root cause. Organizations should also audit installed applications on Apple devices to ensure no untrusted or unnecessary apps have access to sensitive input fields. Implement strict app permission policies and use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce app restrictions and OS updates. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of applying updates promptly. For environments using Apple TV devices, restrict physical access to prevent unauthorized local exploitation. Monitoring for unusual app behavior or data access patterns can help detect potential misuse. Finally, review privacy policies and compliance frameworks to ensure that any data exposure risks are minimized and documented.