CVE-2025-46301 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and other related operating systems, where a malicious Human Interface Device (HID) can induce an unexpected process crash due to improper bounds checking (CWE-119). This vulnerability allows an attacker with physical access to connect a specially crafted HID device, such as a keyboard or mouse emulator, which sends malformed input data that the system fails to properly validate. The result is a denial-of-service (DoS) condition caused by the crashing of a process handling the HID input. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity but affects availability by disrupting normal device operation. Exploitation requires no privileges but does require user interaction to trigger the crash. Apple has addressed this issue in multiple OS updates including iOS 18.7.5, iPadOS 18.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, and others. The vulnerability’s CVSS score is 5.7, reflecting medium severity with attack vector as adjacent network (physically local), low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and impact limited to availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild to date. This vulnerability highlights the risks posed by malicious peripherals and the importance of robust input validation in device drivers and OS components.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-46301 is a denial-of-service condition caused by process crashes on affected Apple devices. For organizations, this can lead to temporary loss of device functionality, disruption of critical workflows, and potential operational downtime, especially in environments where Apple devices are integral to daily operations. While the vulnerability does not allow data theft or system compromise, repeated or targeted exploitation could degrade user productivity or be used as part of a larger attack strategy to cause disruption. Environments with shared or public access to devices, such as kiosks, conference rooms, or enterprise settings with physical access to USB ports, are particularly vulnerable. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating and ease of triggering crashes via physical access mean organizations should prioritize mitigation to maintain availability and operational continuity.

1. Apply the latest Apple security updates immediately, including iOS 18.7.5, iPadOS 18.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, and other relevant OS versions to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict physical access to Apple devices, especially USB and HID ports, in sensitive or public environments to prevent connection of unauthorized peripherals. 3. Employ endpoint security solutions that can detect and block unrecognized or suspicious HID devices. 4. Educate users and IT staff to be vigilant about connecting only trusted peripherals and to report unexpected device behavior. 5. Consider disabling unused USB ports or using USB port locks in high-security environments. 6. Monitor device logs and system behavior for signs of unexpected process crashes or peripheral-related anomalies. 7. For critical deployments, implement policies that require device authentication or use of managed peripherals to reduce risk from malicious devices.