CVE-2025-24200 Authorization Flaw in iOS And iPadOS

On February 10, 2025, Apple disclosed a critical zero-day vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24200, which has been actively exploited in highly sophisticated attacks targeting specific individuals. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the vulnerability, affected devices, mitigation strategies, potential impacts, and available proof-of-concept exploits.

CVE-2025-24200 Description

CVE-2025-24200 is an authorization vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS that allows attackers with physical access to a device to disable USB Restricted Mode. USB Restricted Mode is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized data access via USB connections when a device has been locked for over an hour. The vulnerability arises from improper state management, enabling attackers to bypass this protection.

What is Vulnerable to CVE-2025-24200

The following Apple devices are susceptible to CVE-2025-24200:

• iPhone Models:
  • iPhone XS and later
• iPad Models:
  • 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)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad (6th generation)

Users of these devices should verify their software versions and update promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.

Mitigation and Remediation for CVE-2025-24200

Apple has addressed CVE-2025-24200 by releasing the following software updates:

• iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1: Available for 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), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).
• iPadOS 17.7.5: Available for iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad (6th generation).

To update your device:

1. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Enabling automatic updates is also recommended:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Tap Automatic Updates and ensure both Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates are turned on.

These updates address the vulnerability by improving state management to prevent unauthorized disabling of USB Restricted Mode.

Impact of Successful Exploitation of CVE-2025-24200

Exploiting CVE-2025-24200 allows attackers with physical access to a locked device to disable USB Restricted Mode, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the device’s data through USB connections. This breach compromises the confidentiality of sensitive information stored on the device. Apple has acknowledged reports that this vulnerability has been exploited in extremely sophisticated attacks against specific targeted individuals.

Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-24200

As of now, there is no publicly available proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2025-24200. Given the nature of the vulnerability, exploitation requires physical access to the target device, which limits the potential for widespread abuse. Nonetheless, users are strongly advised to update their devices promptly to mitigate any risk associated with this vulnerability.

In conclusion, CVE-2025-24200 represents a significant security concern for iOS and iPadOS users. Immediate action through software updates is essential to protect against potential exploitation and safeguard personal data.