CVE-2025-30441 is a vulnerability identified in Apple Xcode, the integrated development environment (IDE) widely used for macOS and iOS application development. The issue stems from improper state management within Xcode, which allows a local application to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, indicating a potential out-of-bounds write or similar memory corruption leading to file overwrite capabilities. The flaw requires that an attacker have local access to the system and that the user interacts with the malicious app, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R). The vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or availability but poses a high risk to integrity by enabling unauthorized modification of files, which could include source code, build scripts, or configuration files. This could lead to supply chain compromises or insertion of malicious code during the development process. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of Xcode prior to 16.3, where Apple addressed the issue by improving state management mechanisms. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential impact on software integrity makes this a significant concern for developers and organizations relying on Xcode for software production.

For European organizations, especially those involved in software development for Apple platforms, this vulnerability presents a risk of unauthorized file modification that could compromise the integrity of their software products. The ability to overwrite arbitrary files could allow attackers to inject malicious code, alter build configurations, or disrupt development workflows. This could lead to compromised applications being distributed to end users, damaging organizational reputation and potentially causing financial losses. Given that exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat is more pronounced in environments where endpoint security is lax or where developers might inadvertently run untrusted applications. The impact is particularly critical for companies engaged in sensitive or regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, where software integrity is paramount. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against software supply chains, a growing concern in cybersecurity. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between the high integrity impact and the limited attack vector requiring local presence and user action.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize upgrading all instances of Xcode to version 16.3 or later, where the issue has been resolved. Implement strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection policies to prevent unauthorized or untrusted applications from running on developer machines. Enforce the principle of least privilege by limiting user permissions and restricting the ability to install or execute potentially harmful software. Conduct regular audits of development environments to detect unauthorized file changes, and employ file integrity monitoring tools to alert on suspicious modifications. Educate developers about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of applying security updates promptly. Additionally, consider isolating development environments using virtualization or containerization to reduce the risk of local compromise. For organizations with supply chain security programs, incorporate checks for this vulnerability in their security assessments and vendor management processes.