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12. March 2025
Apple Slams Door On Exploiters With Swift Patches To Fix Critical Iphone Vulnerability
Apple has taken swift action to address a critical zero-day vulnerability in its devices, patching virtually all iPhones and iPads that support the latest operating systems. The company has confirmed that this vulnerability was exploited in an “extremely sophisticated attack” against specific targeted individuals using older versions of iOS.
The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-24201, is located in Webkit, the browser engine that powers Safari and other browsers developed for Apple devices. This means that devices affected include a wide range of iPhone models, from the iPhone XS and later to the latest iPhone 14 series, as well as 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, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
The vulnerability stems from a bug that allows maliciously crafted web content to write to out-of-bounds memory locations. This is a critical flaw that can be exploited by attackers to break out of the Web Content sandbox, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system privileges.
In its advisory, Apple noted that the impact of this vulnerability lies in the fact that it allows maliciously crafted web content to escape the Web Content sandbox. The company emphasized that this is a supplementary fix for an attack that was blocked in iOS 17.2, indicating that the vulnerability has been exploited in targeted attacks against specific individuals.
The advisory provides some insight into how this vulnerability may have been used in attacks against targets. Apple mentioned that it is aware of reports that this issue may have been exploited in “an extremely sophisticated attack” against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 17.2. This suggests that the attackers were likely well-funded and had access to significant resources, making them a more formidable threat.
It’s worth noting that Apple did not disclose how long the attacks lasted or when they began. However, the company did emphasize that the update brings the latest versions of both iOS and iPadOS to 18.3.2, which are now available for download. Users who are targeted by well-funded law enforcement agencies or nation-state spies are advised to install these updates immediately.
While there is currently no indication that this vulnerability is being opportunistically exploited against a broader set of users, it’s always a good practice to install updates within 36 hours of becoming available. This helps ensure the security and integrity of Apple devices and minimizes the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
In terms of how this vulnerability was discovered, Apple has traditionally been tight-lipped about the attribution of its research findings. However, in some cases, the company has provided clues that can help identify who carried out the attacks and who the attacks targeted. Unfortunately, no such information is available for this specific vulnerability.
The impact of this vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping software up to date and using a robust security posture. Even if an individual is not directly targeted by malicious actors, the use of outdated software can make them more vulnerable to exploitation. As such, it’s essential to prioritize regular updates and maintenance to ensure the continued security and integrity of Apple devices.
In recent years, we have seen an increase in attacks that target high-profile individuals and organizations using zero-day vulnerabilities. These attacks often involve sophisticated actors with significant resources at their disposal, making them a more formidable threat.
The use of zero-day vulnerabilities has become a staple of modern cyberattacks, and it’s essential for users to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves against these threats. Regularly updating software, using robust security measures, and being aware of the latest security patches can go a long way in mitigating the risk of exploitation.
Regular updates from Apple are crucial in maintaining the security and integrity of devices. By staying informed about the latest security patches and updates, users can ensure their devices are protected against emerging threats. Furthermore, being proactive in protecting against cyber threats is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
As users move forward, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves against these threats. By prioritizing regular updates, using robust security measures, and staying informed about the latest security patches, individuals can reduce the risk of exploitation and maintain the security and integrity of their devices.