CVE-2025-24159: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

A validation issue was discovered in Apple's operating systems that allows an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This vulnerability (CVE-2025-24159) affects multiple Apple platforms including iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, and tvOS 18.3. The vulnerability was discovered by security researcher pattern-f (@patternF) and was disclosed on January 27, 2025 (Apple iOS).

The vulnerability stems from a validation issue in the kernel component that was addressed with improved logic. The issue allows a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the affected device. This represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that could be exploited to bypass system security controls (NVD).

The vulnerability allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, which means an attacker could gain complete control over the affected device. This level of access would allow an attacker to perform any action on the system, access sensitive data, install persistent malware, or modify system settings (Apple Support, Apple macOS).

Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability across all affected platforms. Users should update to iPadOS 17.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, visionOS 2.3, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, or tvOS 18.3 depending on their device (Apple Support).