CVE-2025-24225 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iPadOS that allows an attacker to perform user interface spoofing by exploiting an injection flaw during the processing of emails. The root cause is insufficient input validation, which can be leveraged to inject malicious content that alters the appearance or behavior of the user interface, misleading users into believing they are interacting with legitimate elements. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, indicating a cross-site scripting or similar injection issue. The attack vector is remote network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R) such as opening or previewing a crafted email. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact affects integrity (I:H) but not confidentiality (C:N) or availability (A:N). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, reflecting a medium severity. Apple addressed the vulnerability in iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5, and iPadOS 18.5 by improving input validation mechanisms. No public exploits have been reported, but the potential for phishing or social engineering attacks leveraging this spoofing is significant. The vulnerability primarily threatens the integrity of user interactions, potentially enabling attackers to trick users into divulging sensitive information or performing unintended actions under false pretenses.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of user interactions on Apple iPad devices. Since many enterprises use iPads for email communication, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, attackers could exploit this flaw to craft deceptive emails that spoof the user interface, leading to phishing attacks or unauthorized actions. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, the integrity compromise can facilitate credential theft, unauthorized transactions, or installation of further malware through social engineering. The requirement for user interaction means that user training and awareness are critical. Unpatched devices remain vulnerable, and given the widespread use of Apple products in Europe, the potential attack surface is considerable. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits post-disclosure.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5, and iPadOS 18.5 to all affected devices within the organization. 2. Implement advanced email filtering solutions that can detect and quarantine suspicious emails containing potentially malicious content or injection attempts. 3. Educate users on recognizing spoofed interfaces and suspicious emails, emphasizing caution when interacting with unexpected or unusual email content. 4. Employ device management policies to restrict installation of untrusted applications and control email client configurations to minimize exposure. 5. Monitor email traffic and user reports for signs of phishing or spoofing attempts related to this vulnerability. 6. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying anomalous user interface behavior or injection attempts on iPadOS devices. 7. Maintain an inventory of all Apple devices in use to ensure timely patch management and vulnerability assessment.