Full Report
A vulnerability has been discovered in Apple products which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Apple Products Arbitrary Code Execution via Malicious Image Processing
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-43300
- CVSS Score: Not explicitly provided, but **Risk is HIGH** for large/medium entities, indicating a severe flaw.
- CWE: Related to memory corruption (Out-of-bounds write).
## Affected Systems
- Products: Apple products (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
- Versions:
- Versions prior to iOS 18.6.2
- Versions prior to iPadOS 17.7.10
- Versions prior to macOS Sonoma 14.7.8
- Versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.6.1
- Versions prior to macOS Ventura 13.7.8
- Configurations: Any user logged into the affected system. Impact is higher for users with administrative rights.
## Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is an **Out-of-bounds write** issue discovered during image file processing. Successful exploitation occurs when a user interacts with a specially crafted malicious image file, leading to memory corruption. This allows for **Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE)** within the context and privileges of the currently logged-on user. This is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK Tactic: Execution (TA0002) and Technique: Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203).
## Exploitation
- Status: Apple is aware of a report that this issue **may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.** (Implies likely Zero-Day or active exploitation prior to patch release).
- Complexity: Implied to be Medium to High, given the targeted nature reported.
- Attack Vector: Requires processing a malicious image payload, likely delivered via a local or network-accessible vector that triggers the vulnerable code path (e.g., viewing an image in an application).
## Impact
- Confidentiality: High (Can view, change, or delete data).
- Integrity: High (Can install programs, view, change, or delete data, create new accounts).
- Availability: Medium to High (Impact depends on actions taken post-exploitation, such as installing malware or creating accounts).
## Remediation
### Patches
Patches are available from Apple. Users must update to the specific stable channel versions or later:
- Update to **iOS 18.6.2** or later.
- Update to **iPadOS 17.7.10** or later.
- Update to **macOS Sonoma 14.7.8** or later.
- Update to **macOS Sequoia 15.6.1** or later.
- Update to **macOS Ventura 13.7.8** or later.
### Workarounds
No specific generic workarounds are listed, but the primary mitigation recommended is immediate patching (M1051: Update Software).
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Not detailed, but IOCs would likely relate to unexpected system processes spawning from user contexts, unusual file modifications, or creation of new unauthorized user accounts following interaction with media elements.
- **Detection methods and tools:** Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) or host-based IPS agents where supported, to monitor for memory corruption events or suspicious execution behavior following file interactions. Adhere to strict vulnerability scanning and remediation processes (Safeguard 7.6, 7.7).
## References
- Vendor Advisories:
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/100100
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124925
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124926
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124927
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124928
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124929
- CVE:
- https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-43300