CVE-2025-24085: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-24085 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in Apple's CoreMedia component that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability was disclosed and patched on January 27, 2025. This security flaw allows a malicious application to elevate privileges on affected devices. Apple has confirmed that this vulnerability has been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 17.2 (Apple Advisory, Help Net Security).

The vulnerability is a use-after-free bug in the CoreMedia framework, which is used by Apple devices for processing media data. The issue was addressed with improved memory management in the affected systems. The vulnerability has received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating local access, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction required (NVD).

When successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows a malicious application to elevate its privileges on the affected device. The high CVSS score indicates that successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system (NVD, Hacker News).

Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability across its product line: iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 for iPhone XS and later, macOS Sequoia 15.3 for affected Macs, tvOS 18.3 for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K, visionOS 2.3 for Apple Vision Pro, and watchOS 11.3 for Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Users are strongly recommended to update their devices immediately to the latest versions (Apple Advisory).