CVE-2025-24104

This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in iPadOS 17.7.4, iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Restoring a maliciously crafted backup file may lead to modification of protected system files.

Weakness

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

• Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
• Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

Related Attack Patterns

• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html

References

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/122066
• https://support.apple.com/en-us/122067