How to Protect Your iOS Device from CVE-2025-24200: Unauthorized USB Access on Locked Apple Devices?

This article addresses CVE-2025-24200, a significant vulnerability affecting Apple's iOS and iPadOS. This flaw could allow a physical attacker to bypass USB Restricted Mode on a locked device, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or further exploitation. Designed for security professionals in DevSecOps, application security, product security, vulnerability management, penetration testing, and security operations, this guide provides a detailed breakdown of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and mitigation strategies to help secure iOS devices.

A Short Introduction to iOS and iPadOS USB Restricted Mode

USB Restricted Mode is a security feature introduced by Apple in iOS 11.4.1. Its primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to a locked iOS device via the USB port. When enabled, USB Restricted Mode blocks data communication over the USB port if the device has been locked for more than one hour and hasn't been connected to a trusted accessory within that timeframe. This measure is intended to thwart attempts by malicious actors or forensic tools to extract data from locked devices by exploiting USB connections.

Summary of CVE-2025-24200

CVE-2025-24200 describes an authorization flaw that can be exploited via a physical attack. The vulnerability resides in the state management of the USB Restricted Mode. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker with physical access to a locked iOS or iPadOS device can potentially disable USB Restricted Mode. Apple addressed the issue by improving state management in the patched versions. The advisory indicates that Apple is aware of reports suggesting this vulnerability has been exploited in targeted attacks, highlighting the importance of promptly applying the necessary security updates. You can find more details about this vulnerability on the NVD website.

Impact of CVE-2025-24200

The impact of CVE-2025-24200 is significant because it allows a bypass of a key security feature designed to protect sensitive data on locked iOS and iPadOS devices. A successful exploit enables a physical attacker to disable USB Restricted Mode, effectively opening the door to potential unauthorized access. This could lead to the extraction of personal information, credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the device.

Furthermore, bypassing USB Restricted Mode could allow the attacker to install malware or other malicious software on the device, enabling further exploitation or surveillance. Apple has acknowledged that this vulnerability may have been exploited in highly targeted attacks, implying a sophisticated level of threat and underscoring the need for immediate remediation. Organizations and individuals who are likely targets of advanced persistent threats (APTs) or other sophisticated attacks should be particularly vigilant. Understanding Indicator of Compromise (IOC) can help in identifying such attacks.

Products Affected by CVE-2025-24200

The vulnerability affects the following versions of iOS and iPadOS:

This vulnerability specifically impacts devices running the listed versions of iOS and iPadOS before the specified fixes were applied. This includes a range of iPhones and iPads. Devices running versions outside of the ranges specified are presumably not affected by this particular vulnerability. For more information, refer to Apple Security Updates.

How to Check if Your Product is Vulnerable?

Determining whether an iOS or iPadOS device is vulnerable to CVE-2025-24200 involves a straightforward version check:

Heads Up: There are no specific network or application-level checks to definitively confirm exploitability beyond verifying the OS version. The vulnerability is triggered by physical interaction with the device. Therefore, focus on ensuring that all iOS and iPadOS devices are running the latest patched versions. Monitor official Apple security advisories and promptly apply updates.

How to Fix CVE-2025-24200?

The primary remediation strategy for CVE-2025-24200 is to update iOS and iPadOS to the latest available versions. This can be done through the following steps:

Additional Security Measures:

While updating is the primary solution, consider these additional measures:

Workarounds:

There are no specific workarounds to completely eliminate the vulnerability. However, the additional security measures listed above can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Monitor Official Channels:

Since the security landscape is ever changing, it is important to stay updated. Security professionals should always monitor official Apple security advisories for any further guidance or updates related to this vulnerability. Stay informed on PSIRT.

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