CVE-2025-30429 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and related operating systems that allows an application to escape its sandbox environment due to a flaw in path handling validation. The sandbox is a critical security mechanism that restricts app capabilities and access to system resources, thereby isolating apps from each other and the underlying OS. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of file system paths, which could be exploited by a malicious or compromised app to access files and resources outside its designated sandbox. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS (Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura), tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Exploitation requires the attacker to have limited privileges on the device (local access) but does not require user interaction, increasing the risk of stealthy attacks. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3, reflecting medium severity with a vector indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change that impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent. Apple has released patches in versions iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and 17.7.6, macOS Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5, Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, and watchOS 11.4 to address this issue by improving path validation mechanisms. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk if left unpatched, especially in environments where sensitive data or critical operations depend on Apple devices.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows an app to break out of its sandbox, potentially gaining unauthorized access to files, system resources, or other apps’ data that should be isolated. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information (confidentiality impact), unauthorized modification of data or system settings (integrity impact), and disruption of normal device operations (availability impact). For organizations, this could mean exposure of corporate data on employee or managed devices, compromise of device integrity, and increased risk of further attacks leveraging the escalated privileges. The fact that exploitation requires only limited privileges but no user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks, especially in environments with many Apple devices. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple operating systems, amplifying its potential impact across mobile, desktop, and embedded device ecosystems. Although no known exploits are currently active, the presence of this vulnerability in widely deployed platforms makes timely patching critical to prevent potential targeted attacks or malware campaigns.

Organizations should immediately prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the patched versions: iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and 17.7.6, macOS Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5, Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, and watchOS 11.4. Device management solutions should be used to enforce patch deployment and verify compliance. Additionally, organizations should audit installed applications to identify and remove any untrusted or unnecessary apps that could exploit this vulnerability. Employing strict app vetting policies and restricting app installation to trusted sources (e.g., Apple App Store) reduces risk. Monitoring device logs and behavior for signs of sandbox escape attempts or unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. For high-security environments, consider implementing additional endpoint protection that monitors for privilege escalation or sandbox violations. Finally, educating users about the importance of timely updates and cautious app installation complements technical controls.