CVE-2025-30433 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS platforms that impacts the Shortcuts app functionality. The Shortcuts app allows users to automate tasks on Apple devices, but due to insufficient access restrictions, a crafted shortcut can bypass normal file access controls. This means an attacker can create a shortcut that accesses files and data that should be protected and inaccessible to the Shortcuts app under normal security policies. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating a failure to enforce proper permissions. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without any privileges or user interaction, resulting in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data on affected devices. Apple has released patches in multiple OS versions including iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and 17.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, and visionOS 2.4 to address this issue by improving access restrictions within the Shortcuts app. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the severity and ease of exploitation make this a significant threat. Organizations relying on Apple devices for sensitive operations must prioritize patching to prevent unauthorized data access and potential lateral movement within networks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk of unauthorized data access and potential data breaches, especially in sectors that rely heavily on Apple devices such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. The ability of a malicious shortcut to access normally restricted files could lead to exposure of confidential information, intellectual property theft, and compromise of user privacy. Since the exploit requires no user interaction or privileges, attackers could deploy malicious shortcuts via phishing, social engineering, or compromised app workflows, increasing the attack surface. The integrity of data and system availability could also be impacted if attackers modify or delete critical files. This could disrupt business operations and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR and other data protection laws, resulting in financial penalties and reputational damage. The widespread use of Apple devices in Europe, combined with the critical nature of this vulnerability, makes it a high-priority threat for organizations to address promptly.

1. Immediately apply the security updates provided by Apple for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4/17.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, and visionOS 2.4 to all affected devices. 2. Restrict the use of the Shortcuts app in enterprise environments through Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies, limiting shortcut creation and execution to trusted users only. 3. Educate users about the risks of installing or running untrusted shortcuts, emphasizing caution with shortcuts received via email, messaging apps, or unverified sources. 4. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual shortcut activity or file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Implement application whitelisting and restrict installation of unauthorized apps or shortcuts. 6. Regularly audit device configurations and permissions related to the Shortcuts app to ensure compliance with security policies. 7. Coordinate with Apple support and security teams for any additional guidance or emerging threat intelligence related to this vulnerability.