The security update CVE-2025-24162 details a vulnerability in visionOS 2.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, and tvOS 18.3. This vulnerability allows maliciously crafted web content to cause an unexpected process crash in these systems. In this long read, we will cover the details of the exploit and the code snippet related to this vulnerability, and discuss solutions for addressing this issue through improved state management.

- CVE-2025-24162 Vulnerability Information
- Apple Security Updates

Exploit Details

The vulnerability in question resides in the way these operating systems process web content, specifically when the web content is maliciously crafted. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious website or embedding malicious code in a legitimate website, which, when accessed by a user with a vulnerable system, may cause an unexpected process crash.

Below is a code snippet that demonstrates how an attacker could craft malicious web content to trigger this vulnerability:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <title>Malicious Website</title>
</head>
<body>
    <script>
        (function exploitCVE202524162() {
            const element = document.createElement('div');
            // Craft malicious content that causes a process crash when processed
            element.innerHTML = `
                <img src="malicious_image.jpg" onload="triggerExploit();">
            `;
            function triggerExploit() {
                // Exploit logic
                // Trigger a process crash in vulnerable systems
            }
            document.body.appendChild(element);
        })();
    </script>
</body>
</html>

In this example, a malicious image malicious_image.jpg is loaded when the HTML page is rendered, triggering the triggerExploit() function that contains the exploit logic to cause a process crash in vulnerable systems.

Solution

To address this issue, Apple has released security updates for visionOS 2.3, Safari 18.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, and tvOS 18.3. These updates improve state management, making it more difficult for malicious web content to trigger unexpected process crashes.

To safeguard your devices from such vulnerabilities, it is essential to keep your software up-to-date with the latest security patches from the respective vendors.

Users can update their software by following the instructions provided by Apple for their respective devices:

- Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Update your Mac
- Update your Apple Watch
- Update your Apple TV

In conclusion, CVE-2025-24162 highlights the importance of staying vigilant against potential vulnerabilities, and the significance of regularly applying security updates to prevent unexpected process crashes caused by maliciously crafted web content. Always ensure your devices are running the latest security patches, and avoid visiting untrusted websites to keep your systems safe from potential attacks.

Timeline

Published on: 01/27/2025 22:15:20 UTC
Last modified on: 01/28/2025 16:15:44 UTC