CVE-2025-24257 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS Sequoia operating systems. The root cause is an out-of-bounds write condition triggered by improper input validation within the kernel or a privileged subsystem. This flaw allows a maliciously crafted app to write outside the intended memory bounds, potentially overwriting kernel memory. Such memory corruption can lead to unexpected system termination (crashes) or more severe consequences such as arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. The vulnerability requires local access (AV:L) and no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction (UI:R) is necessary to trigger the exploit, indicating that a user must run or interact with the malicious app. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.1 (high), reflecting the high impact on integrity and availability, though confidentiality is not affected. Apple addressed this issue by improving input validation in the affected components and released patches in visionOS 2.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported as of the publication date. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to device stability and security, especially in environments where untrusted apps might be installed or where users might be tricked into running malicious software. Given the kernel-level impact, successful exploitation could undermine system security controls and lead to persistent compromise or denial of service.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a risk primarily to the integrity and availability of Apple devices used within corporate environments. Organizations relying on iOS and iPadOS devices for critical communications, mobile workforce productivity, or specialized applications (including visionOS devices in emerging AR/VR use cases) could experience system crashes or kernel-level compromises if exploited. This could lead to operational disruptions, loss of data integrity, or potential footholds for further attacks. Although confidentiality is not directly impacted, the ability to write kernel memory could be leveraged in chained attacks to escalate privileges or bypass security mechanisms. The requirement for user interaction and local access somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may install third-party or sideloaded apps. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not preclude targeted attacks or future exploit development. Organizations in sectors with high Apple device usage, such as finance, government, and technology, are particularly vulnerable to operational impacts and potential reputational damage if exploited.

1. Immediately update all affected Apple devices to the patched versions: visionOS 2.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, limiting app installations to trusted sources such as the official Apple App Store and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app deployment. 3. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of applying system updates promptly. 4. Monitor device behavior for signs of instability or unexpected crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous kernel-level activity on Apple devices. 6. For organizations deploying visionOS devices, apply additional controls to restrict app permissions and monitor AR/VR environments for suspicious activity. 7. Regularly audit device inventories to ensure all systems are running supported and patched OS versions. 8. Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories for any emerging exploit information or additional patches.