Top 10 iPhone Vulnerabilities of 2025 — By CyberDudeBivash

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Executive Snapshot 

  • Actively exploited in 2025:

    • ImageIO zero-click (CVE-2025-43300)—malicious images could trigger memory corruption; Apple confirmed targeted exploitation and issued iOS/iPadOS 18.6.2. Apple Support+2CISA+2

    • Kernel/privilege escalation (CVE-2025-24085)—use-after-free fixed in iOS 18.3; Apple notes it was exploited against versions before iOS 17.2. nvd.nist.gov

    • WebKit sandbox escape (CVE-2025-24201)—patched in iOS 18.3.2 as a supplementary fix to earlier targeted attacks. nvd.nist.gov

  • Also patched & widely discussed:

    • USB Restricted Mode bypass (CVE-2025-24200)—fixed in iOS 18.3.1 after reports of real-world, highly targeted use. Apple Support+2blog.quarkslab.com+2

    • Chrome ANGLE/GPU 0-day (CVE-2025-6558)—Apple shipped related WebKit/Safari updates; no confirmed in-the-wild Safari exploitation as of the time of writing. Apple Support+1

What to do right now: Update to the latest iOS security patch (18.6.x stream) and Safari, then enforce a minimum iOS version across your org via MDM; treat Apple security pages and CISA KEV as your patching “source of truth.” Apple Support+2Apple Support+2

The Top 10 iPhone Vulnerabilities of 2025

Each entry explains what it is, why it’s risky, and how to reduce risk—with representative 2025 advisories/research.

1) Zero-Click Image Parsing (ImageIO) — CVE-2025-43300

  • What: Out-of-bounds write in ImageIO; opening or previewing a malicious image can corrupt memory. Apple acknowledged targeted exploitation and shipped fixes in iOS/iPadOS 18.6.2 (plus macOS backports).

  • Risk: Classic entry point for mercenary spyware—no tap needed in some flows (thumbnails, previews).

  • Reduce risk: Patch to 18.6.2+; harden VIP devices (disable auto-save previews in risky apps, Lockdown Mode if warranted). Track CISA KEV for enforcement dates. Apple Support+1

2) Kernel Privilege Escalation (Use-After-Free) — CVE-2025-24085

  • What: A use-after-free enabling privilege escalation; Apple notes active exploitation against versions before iOS 17.2; remediation landed in iOS 18.3.

  • Risk: Converts any foothold into full device compromise and persistence.

  • Reduce risk: Fleet-wide minimum OS policy ≥ 18.3; monitor for unusual TCC/entitlement changes that often follow kernel EoP. nvd.nist.gov

3) WebKit Sandbox Escape — CVE-2025-24201

  • What: Out-of-bounds write in WebKit allowing web content to break out of the Web Content sandbox; iOS 18.3.2 shipped a supplementary fix for earlier targeted activity.

  • Risk: One browser tab → wider process access, often chained with kernel bugs.

  • Reduce risk: Update to 18.3.2+; keep Safari/WebKit current on all Apple platforms. nvd.nist.gov+1

4) USB Restricted Mode Bypass (Physical/Forensics Angle) — CVE-2025-24200

  • What: Authorization flaw allowing a physical attacker to disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device; fixed in iOS 18.3.1 (Citizen Lab reported).

  • Risk: Enables data access attempts post-seizure/theft; high concern for journalists/execs.

  • Reduce risk: Patch to 18.3.1+; enforce USB accessories off when locked; favor hardware keys + Stolen Device Protection for travel profiles. Apple Support+2blog.quarkslab.com+2

5) ANGLE/GPU Path Affecting Browsers — CVE-2025-6558

  • What: Improper validation in ANGLE/GPU path exploited against Chrome; Apple shipped related iOS 18.6/Safari 18.6 updates. Public reports note no confirmed Safari exploitation to date.

  • Risk: Malicious HTML could crash Safari and, if chained, bypass sandboxes.

  • Reduce risk: Update iOS/macOS and Safari 18.6; in enterprises, lock browser versions and use network controls to block known exploit kits. Apple Support+2Apple Support+2

6) Baseband/Modem & Network-Adjacency (C1 Modem Example)

  • What: 2025 updates referenced a baseband issue impacting Apple’s new C1 modem (CVE-2025-31214) in iOS 18.5; privileged network positions could intercept traffic.

  • Risk: Radio-layer flaws bypass app/OS controls; ideal for proximity attacks.

  • Reduce risk: Patch promptly; favor devices on the latest modem train; disable risky cellular features where policy allows. CyberScoop

7) AirPlay & Local Network Parsing Bugs (Type Confusion)

  • What: AirPlay fixes in iOS 18.3 (e.g., CVE-2025-24137) addressed memory/type issues that could corrupt process memory from the local network.

  • Risk: Same-LAN adversaries (rogue hotspots, conference Wi-Fi) can poke media paths.

  • Reduce risk: Patch; disable Auto-AirPlay on roaming devices; segment VIP Wi-Fi. Apple Support

8) mDNSResponder & Service Discovery Privilege Issues

  • What: mDNSResponder (CVE-2025-31222) privilege mishandling corrected in iOS 18.5 roll-up.

  • Risk: Local attackers/services could escalate or disrupt discovery.

  • Reduce risk: Patch; use Private Wi-Fi Address and harden AirDrop/NameDrop policies. Apple Support

9) Notes/Lock-Screen Data Access Edge Cases

  • What: Notes fixes in iOS 18.5 (e.g., CVE-2025-31228) for lock-screen access and deleted recordings.

  • Risk: Shoulder-surf + physical access → data exposure.

  • Reduce risk: Require Face ID for Notes; hide notification previews; enable Stolen Device Protection. Apple Support

10) ProRes/Media Paths to Kernel Memory Corruption

  • What: ProRes bugs (CVE-2025-31234, etc.) could crash apps or corrupt kernel memory under crafted inputs; patched in iOS 18.5.

  • Risk: Media pipelines are rich sources for chains (RCE → sandbox escape → kernel).

  • Reduce risk: Patch; limit risky codecs in managed profiles; control AirDrop to Contacts Only. Apple Support

Practical Defense Playbook (Individuals & Orgs)

For Everyone

  • Update now (Settings → General → Software Update). 18.6.2 closes the actively exploited ImageIO 0-day. Apple Support

  • Safari & App updates: Keep Safari 18.6+ and App Store apps current to pick up WebKit/ANGLE fixes. Apple Support

  • USB hygiene: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Accessories OFF when locked; avoid untrusted cables/docks. Apple Support

  • Lockdown Mode for high-risk travel or VIPs; Stolen Device Protection on; strong passcode (6+ digits).

For Admins (MDM / Zero-Trust Mobile)

  • Minimum OS: block enrollments < iOS 18.6.2; short SLA for 18.3.2 (WebKit) and 18.3.1 (USB mode) where older devices persist. Apple Support+1

  • Browser control: Pin Safari/Chromium versions; monitor WebKit crash spikes after patch Tuesdays. Apple Support

  • Baseband posture: inventory modem variants; prioritize devices on current 18.5+ with C1 fixes where applicable. CyberScoop

  • Detections: alert on config flips to USB Accessories, unusual TCC prompts, sudden Notes lock-screen access.

  • VIP hardening: Lockdown Mode profiles; disable Auto-Join for public SSIDs; Contacts Only for AirDrop.

Affiliate Toolbox (clearly labeled)


  • FIDO2 Security Keys — phishing-resistant login for Apple ID, email, banking.

  • Mobile EDR/MDM Suites — enforce minimum iOS version, browser pinning, USB policy.

  • Privacy-focused VPN — hostile Wi-Fi protection; must support kill-switch & modern ciphers.

  • Password Manager + Passkeys — unique credentials, device-bound passkeys.


CyberDudeBivash — Brand & Services

CyberDudeBivash | Cybersecurity, AI & Threat Intelligence Network helps leadership teams and SOCs:

  • Mobile Threat Readiness (Apple/Android): monthly bulletin roll-ins, KEV watch, exploit-chain tabletop.

  • VIP Protections: Lockdown Mode playbooks, travel kits, rapid triage for USB/baseband events.

  • Browser & WebKit Risk: staged exploit simulation, crash telemetry, and emergency patch comms.

  • Board-Ready Reporting: exposure windows, MTTR for mobile patches, business-impact narratives.

Book a rapid consult: www.cyberdudebivash.com
Newsletter: CyberDudeBivash Threat Brief — weekly mobile vulns + ATT&CK-mapped detections.

FAQs

Q1. Which iPhone vulns were actively exploited in 2025?
Apple confirmed targeted exploitation for CVE-2025-43300 (ImageIO) and CVE-2025-24201 (WebKit); CVE-2025-24085 was exploited on versions before iOS 17.2. Update to 18.6.2 and 18.3.2+ respectively. Apple Support+2nvd.nist.gov+2

Q2. What’s the story with the Chrome 0-day (CVE-2025-6558) and iOS?
The bug was exploited against Chrome; Apple shipped Safari 18.6/iOS 18.6 fixes tied to the same class. There’s no evidence of Safari exploitation in the wild as of now—still patch immediately. Apple Support+1

Q3. Do baseband/modem bugs really matter for iPhones?
Yes. Apple’s C1 modem saw a 2025 fix (CVE-2025-31214) to reduce network-adjacent risk; radio-layer bugs sit below app/OS defenses. CyberScoop


Sources & Further Reading

  • Apple iOS 18.6.2 security content (ImageIO CVE-2025-43300; targeted exploitation noted). Apple Support

  • CISA KEV (authoritative catalog of exploited CVEs). CISA

  • NVD: CVE-2025-43300 (ImageIO malicious image → memory corruption). nvd.nist.gov

  • NVD: CVE-2025-24085 (kernel EoP; exploited against pre-17.2). nvd.nist.gov

  • Apple iOS 18.3 / 18.3.2 security content (WebKit fix stream). Apple Support+1

  • CVE-2025-24201 (WebKit) details & reports of targeted exploitation before iOS 17.2. nvd.nist.gov+1

  • USB Restricted Mode bypass (CVE-2025-24200) coverage & analysis. Apple Support+2blog.quarkslab.com+2

  • Safari 18.6 / CVE-2025-6558 context (Chrome exploited; Safari patched; no public Safari exploitation). Apple Support+1

  • Baseband/C1 modem fix (CVE-2025-31214) report. CyberScoop

  • Apple security releases index (keep current). Apple Support


#CyberDudeBivash #iOS2025 #iPhoneSecurity #ZeroDay #WebKit #ImageIO #CISAKEV #Safari #LockdownMode #StolenDeviceProtection

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