CVE-2025-24225 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iPadOS that allows for user interface (UI) spoofing through the processing of specially crafted emails. The root cause of this vulnerability is an injection issue related to insufficient input validation, classified under CWE-79, which corresponds to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) or similar injection flaws. When a user processes or opens a maliciously crafted email, the attacker can manipulate the UI elements displayed on the device, potentially causing the user to see deceptive content that appears legitimate but is controlled by the attacker. This can lead to users being tricked into performing unintended actions, such as entering sensitive information or executing commands under false pretenses. The vulnerability affects versions of iPadOS prior to 17.7.7 and iOS prior to 18.5, with patches released in these versions to address the issue by improving input validation mechanisms. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R) to trigger the vulnerability. The impact is primarily on integrity (I:H), with no direct confidentiality or availability impact. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. This vulnerability is significant because email is a common attack vector, and iPadOS devices are widely used in both personal and professional environments, making UI spoofing a viable method for phishing and social engineering attacks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24225 can be substantial, especially for sectors relying heavily on iPadOS devices for communication and operations, such as finance, healthcare, education, and government. UI spoofing can facilitate phishing attacks that bypass traditional email security filters by exploiting the trust users place in their device's interface. This can lead to credential theft, unauthorized access to sensitive systems, and potential data breaches. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, the risk is amplified in environments where users may not be adequately trained to recognize spoofed interfaces. Additionally, the integrity of communications and transactions conducted on iPadOS devices could be compromised, undermining trust and compliance with regulations like GDPR. Although availability and confidentiality impacts are not directly indicated, the indirect consequences of successful spoofing—such as fraudulent transactions or unauthorized data access—can have severe operational and reputational repercussions for European organizations.

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-24225, European organizations should: 1) Ensure all iPadOS and iOS devices are updated promptly to versions 17.7.7, 18.5, or later where the vulnerability is patched. 2) Implement strict email filtering and anti-phishing solutions that can detect and quarantine suspicious emails before they reach end users. 3) Conduct targeted user awareness training focusing on recognizing UI spoofing and phishing attempts, emphasizing caution when interacting with email content and links. 4) Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, including restricting installation of untrusted apps and controlling email client configurations. 5) Monitor device and network logs for unusual activities that may indicate attempted exploitation. 6) Encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the impact of credential compromise resulting from spoofing attacks. 7) Develop incident response plans that include procedures for handling suspected UI spoofing or phishing incidents on mobile devices.