CVE-2025-24102 recently came into the spotlight when security experts discovered a vulnerability in various Apple software versions, allowing apps to determine a user's current location without proper authorization. Fortunately, Apple has quickly addressed the issue and fixed it with improved checks across several versions, including iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, and macOS Ventura 13.7.3.
In this long-read post, we will delve into the details of the vulnerability, explore the code snippet that triggered the exploit, provide links to original references, and discuss the improved checks that ultimately resolved the issue.
CVE-2025-24102 Details
This particular vulnerability gave malicious apps the opportunity to bypass the location permission set by the user and access their device's current location. As a result, these apps could potentially compromise the user's privacy and misuse their location data for nefarious purposes.
To provide a better understanding of this exploit, let's take a look at a code snippet that potentially triggers the vulnerability:
import CoreLocation
import UIKit
class ViewController: UIViewController, CLLocationManagerDelegate {
let locationManager = CLLocationManager()
override func viewDidLoad() {
super.viewDidLoad()
locationManager.delegate = self
locationManager.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyBest
if CLLocationManager.authorizationStatus() == .authorizedAlways ||
CLLocationManager.authorizationStatus() == .authorizedWhenInUse {
locationManager.startUpdatingLocation()
} else {
locationManager.requestWhenInUseAuthorization()
}
}
func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didUpdateLocations locations: [CLLocation]) {
if let location = locations.last {
print("User's current location: \(location.coordinate.latitude), \(location.coordinate.longitude)")
}
}
}
In this code snippet, an app using the CoreLocation framework in a ViewController receives the user's location updates through the CLLocationManagerDelegate method, locationManager(_:didUpdateLocations:). Even though the initial implementation checks for the user's authorization status, the exploit allowed malicious apps to bypass these checks and access the location updates anyways.
Original References and Exploit Details
Security researchers first disclosed the vulnerability in Apple's issue tracking system, and it was subsequently acknowledged and responsibly reported to Apple. You can review the detailed information about this vulnerability in the official CVE database here.
Furthermore, you can explore Apple's official security update announcement, which contains the particulars of the software versions affected by the vulnerability, as well as those with the issue fixed, in their support document available here.
Improved Checks and Fixes
Apple introduced improved checks to tackle this issue by ensuring that location updates are only provided to apps that have valid authorization from the user. These checks are implemented in iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, and macOS Ventura 13.7.3.
To protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized apps from accessing your location, it is highly recommended to update your device to these fixed versions and always be mindful of the permissions you grant to apps when it comes to accessing sensitive information such as your location data.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-24102 exposed a significant privacy breach in several Apple software versions by allowing unauthorized apps to access a user's current location. Thankfully, Apple has promptly addressed this issue with improved checks that safeguard users' location data in iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sequoia 15.3, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, and macOS Ventura 13.7.3. To protect your privacy and ensure your location data remains secure, make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest Apple software releases, grant location access judiciously, and stay informed about potential security vulnerabilities.
Timeline
Published on: 01/27/2025 22:15:15 UTC
Last modified on: 03/19/2025 18:15:24 UTC