CVE-2025-24200 is a critical security vulnerability discovered in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS. This vulnerability has severe implications for device security, especially considering the widespread use of these operating systems across various Apple devices.
Vulnerability Description
Nature of the Vulnerability
CVE-2025-24200 is an authorization issue that allows attackers with physical access to a locked device to disable USB Restricted Mode. USB Restricted Mode is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized data extraction via USB ports by disabling data access when the device has been locked for more than an hour.
Affected Devices
The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple devices, including:
- iPhone XS and later
- iPad Pro 13-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Technical Details
Exploitation Method
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with physical access to the device. The process involves:
- Physical Access: The attacker needs to have physical access to the locked device.
- Disabling USB Restricted Mode: Using a specially crafted tool or method, the attacker can disable USB Restricted Mode, allowing unauthorized data extraction via the device’s USB port.
- Data Extraction: Once USB Restricted Mode is disabled, the attacker can connect the device to a computer and extract sensitive data without the need for authentication.
Impact
Potential Risks
The successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to significant security risks, including:
- Unauthorized Data Access: Attackers can bypass USB Restricted Mode and gain access to sensitive data stored on the device.
- Device Compromise: The attacker can potentially install malware or make unauthorized changes to the device’s settings and data.
- Targeted Attacks: Given that this vulnerability has been actively exploited in highly sophisticated attacks, it poses a significant threat to individuals with high-value data or those targeted by advanced persistent threats (APTs).
CVSS Score and Metrics
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a standardized way to rate the severity of vulnerabilities. For CVE-2025-24200, the CVSS scores are as follows:
- Base Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Attack Vector (AV): Physical – The attacker needs physical access to the device.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low – The attack does not require complex conditions to be met.
- Privileges Required (PR): None – The attacker does not need any specific privileges to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None – Exploitation does not require any user interaction.
- Scope (S): Unchanged – Exploitation affects only the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality (C): High – Exploitation results in significant loss of confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High – Exploitation results in significant loss of integrity.
- Availability (A): High – Exploitation results in significant loss of availability.
Mitigation Measures
To protect against the exploitation of CVE-2025-24200, Apple has released an emergency update, and users should implement the following mitigation measures:
1. Apply Security Updates
- Update iOS and iPadOS: Ensure that your devices are updated to the latest versions, iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, which include patches for this vulnerability.
- Regular Patching: Establish a routine for regularly checking and applying security updates to keep your devices protected against known vulnerabilities.
2. Physical Security
- Secure Your Devices: Take measures to physically secure your devices, such as using secure storage or carrying cases with locks, to prevent unauthorized physical access.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant for any signs of tampering or unauthorized access to your devices. Regularly check for unusual activity or changes in settings.
3. User Awareness and Training
- Educate Users: Inform users about the risks associated with physical access to their devices and the importance of keeping their devices secure.
- Best Practices: Encourage users to follow best practices for device security, such as enabling passcodes, using biometric authentication, and regularly updating their devices.
Final Thoughts
CVE-2025-24200 is a critical vulnerability that requires immediate attention and remediation. By applying the recommended updates, securing physical access to devices, and following best security practices, users can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and protect their data from potential exploitation.
