CVE-2025-46285 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems, as well as related platforms like watchOS, macOS, visionOS, and tvOS. The root cause is an integer overflow due to improper handling of 64-bit timestamps, classified under CWE-190. This overflow can be exploited by a local application that already has limited privileges (PR:L) to escalate its privileges to root level, thereby gaining full control over the device. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and has a low attack complexity (AC:L), but it does require some level of privilege to initiate the exploit. The scope of the vulnerability is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). Apple has released patches in multiple OS versions including iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, watchOS 26.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, macOS Tahoe 26.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, visionOS 26.2, and tvOS 26.2 to address this issue by adopting 64-bit timestamps correctly to prevent the overflow. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date, but the potential for root privilege escalation makes this a critical vulnerability to remediate promptly.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows a local app with limited privileges to escalate to root privileges, effectively gaining full control over the affected device. This can lead to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. Attackers could install persistent malware, access sensitive user data, manipulate system settings, or disable security controls. For organizations, this could result in data breaches, unauthorized access to corporate resources, and disruption of business operations. The lack of required user interaction increases the risk of stealthy exploitation. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in enterprise and consumer environments, the impact is significant, especially in sectors relying heavily on iOS and iPadOS devices for sensitive communications and operations.

Organizations and users should immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for all affected platforms, including iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, watchOS 26.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, and others. Beyond patching, restrict installation of apps to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce update policies and monitor device compliance. Limit local privilege levels where possible and audit installed applications for suspicious behavior. For high-security environments, consider additional endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting privilege escalation attempts. Regularly review device logs and behavior analytics to identify potential exploitation attempts. Finally, educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of timely updates.