CVE-2025-30456 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as certain macOS versions, stemming from a parsing issue in the handling of directory paths. Specifically, the flaw involves insufficient validation of directory paths, which can be manipulated by a malicious app to escalate privileges to root level. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-281, indicating improper control of a resource through path manipulation. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R), meaning an attacker must have the ability to run an app and convince the user to interact with it. Once exploited, the attacker gains full root privileges, allowing complete control over the device, including access to sensitive data, system files, and the ability to install persistent malware or bypass security controls. Apple has addressed this issue by enhancing path validation mechanisms in the affected OS versions: iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5. While no exploits are currently known in the wild, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability makes this a critical vulnerability to remediate promptly. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs running the specified OS versions, which are widely used in enterprise and consumer environments globally.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-30456 is significant due to the widespread use of Apple devices in both corporate and governmental sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise, exposing sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, and personal information. Root access allows attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, and potentially pivot to other network resources, increasing the risk of broader network compromise. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications that rely on Apple devices for secure communications and operations are particularly at risk. Additionally, the vulnerability could undermine trust in mobile device management (MDM) solutions and complicate compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR if data breaches occur. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate the risk, especially in environments where users may be targeted with social engineering or phishing attacks to trigger the exploit.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation approach: 1) Prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 to all managed devices. 2) Enforce strict application installation policies, restricting app sources to trusted vendors and using Apple’s enterprise app management tools to prevent installation of untrusted apps. 3) Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or prompts that could trigger the exploit. 4) Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device compliance and detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 5) Implement network segmentation and zero-trust principles to limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. 6) Regularly audit and review device security posture, including checking for unauthorized root access or modifications. 7) Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation scenarios involving Apple devices.