iOS Security Vulnerabilities: CVE Analysis & Affected Devices
Understanding iOS Security & Vulnerability Management
The iOS Security Model
iOS employs a multi-layered security architecture including Secure Boot Chain, App Sandboxing, Data Protection, and Code Signing. Despite these protections, vulnerabilities in the kernel, frameworks, and system services can lead to jailbreaks, data theft, and device compromise.
iOS CVE Components:
- CVE ID: Standard vulnerability identifier
- iOS Version Affected: Specific iOS/iPadOS versions impacted
- Device Models: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch models affected
- Component: Kernel, WebKit, Core Components, IOKit, Sandbox
- Exploitation Prerequisites: User interaction, network access, physical access
- Apple Security Bulletin: HT-XXXXX identifier for Apple advisories
- Patch Availability: iOS version containing the fix
🏗️ iOS Security Architecture Layers:
Secure Enclave, Face ID/Touch ID, Neural Engine, Memory Protection
Mach microkernel, BSD layer, IOKit drivers, Sandbox enforcement
Code Signing, Sandboxing, Pointer Authentication, Address Space Layout Randomization
App Store review, Entitlements, Privacy Controls, App Sandbox
File-based encryption, Data Protection classes, Keychain Services
TLS, VPN, Firewall, Cellular security, Wi-Fi protections
iOS Security Ecosystem & Importance
🔒 Privacy-Centric Design
iOS vulnerabilities can bypass privacy controls, exposing sensitive data like location, contacts, messages, and health information to unauthorized access.
💰 High-Value Targets
iOS devices are frequently targeted by nation-state actors, commercial spyware vendors, and organized crime due to their use by high-profile individuals.
📱 Mobile Workforce Security
With BYOD and enterprise mobile deployments, iOS vulnerabilities can compromise corporate data and access to business resources.
🔗 Supply Chain Integrity
iOS updates are delivered directly by Apple, but vulnerabilities in the update mechanism or compromised developer certificates can affect millions.
📊 iOS Vulnerability Statistics (2024):
📱 iOS Device Support Lifecycle:
iOS 17 Supported
iOS 16-17 Supported
Limited Updates
No Updates
Current iOS Threat Intelligence & Impact Analysis
⚠️ Active iOS Vulnerability Campaigns:
WebKit Memory Corruption RCE
CVE-2024-23222 • iOS 16.7.3Critical severity vulnerability in WebKit allowing remote code execution. Actively exploited in targeted attacks against high-value individuals. Exploitation requires visiting malicious website.
Kernel Memory Disclosure
CVE-2024-23296 • iOS 17.2.1High severity vulnerability in XNU kernel allowing local applications to read kernel memory. Could be used to bypass KASLR and facilitate further exploitation chains.
Sandbox Escape via IOKit
CVE-2024-23225 • iOS 17.3Medium severity vulnerability in IOKit allowing malicious applications to escape the sandbox and access system resources. Requires user to install malicious app from outside App Store.
🔗 Common iOS Exploit Chain Components:
Initial Access
Malicious website, SMS phishing, network compromise, or physical access
Memory Corruption
Use-After-Free, Buffer Overflow, or Type Confusion in WebKit or kernel
Privilege Escalation
Kernel vulnerability to gain root or platform privileges
Persistence
Code signing bypass, untether, or persistence mechanism installation
🎯 iOS Vulnerability Categories:
Remote Code Execution
WebKit, Safari, Mail, Messages apps. Most dangerous - requires no user interaction beyond visiting website.
Kernel Privilege Escalation
XNU kernel vulnerabilities allowing apps to gain root access. Common in jailbreak chains.
Sandbox Escape
Bypassing app sandbox restrictions to access system resources or other app data.
Privacy Bypass
Accessing protected data (photos, contacts, location) without proper authorization.
🛡️ iOS Security Mitigations:
Pointer Authentication (PAC)
Cryptographically signs and verifies pointers, preventing memory corruption exploits. A12+ chips.
Kernel Patch Protection (KPP)
Prevents unauthorized modifications to kernel memory. Hardware-enforced on A10+.
Page Protection Layer (PPL)
Hardware-based memory protection preventing even kernel from modifying certain pages.
Secure Enclave
Separate secure coprocessor handling cryptographic operations and biometric data.
📅 iOS Security Update Schedule:
Critical security fixes delivered without full iOS update. Can be applied in background.
iOS x.x updates containing security fixes and minor improvements.
iOS x.0 with architectural security improvements and new protections.
Out-of-band updates for critical zero-days being actively exploited.
🏢 Enterprise iOS Security Management:
MDM Enforcement
Mobile Device Management can enforce minimum iOS versions and automatic update policies.
Compliance Monitoring
Monitor device compliance with security policies and patch levels across enterprise fleet.
App Distribution Control
Control app installation sources to prevent sideloading of malicious applications.
Network Segmentation
Isolate iOS devices on enterprise networks and enforce strict access controls.
📊 How to Use This iOS Vulnerability Database:
Filter vulnerabilities by iOS version, device model, or component. Zero-day vulnerabilities marked as "Actively Exploited" require immediate attention. Check device compatibility for each vulnerability - older devices may not receive patches. Use the "Enterprise Impact" filter for vulnerabilities affecting MDM and business use cases.
iOS Severity Guidelines:
Device Support Indicators:
| Year | Vulnerability | Severity | Affected | Impact | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
CVE-2025-3312
RCE via malicious WebGPU content; Bypasses Safari sandbox
|
Critical 9.1 |
iOS 18 - 18.2, Safari 18.x
|
|
Active Exploits |
| 2024 |
CVE-2024-23296
Zero-click exploit via media files; Affects Messages, Mail, Safari
|
Critical 9.8 |
iOS 15-17, macOS 12-14
|
|
Active Exploits |
| 2023 |
CVE-2023-28204
Arbitrary code execution; Exploited in wild via malicious sites
|
Critical 8.8 |
iOS/iPadOS 15-16, Safari 15-16
|
|
Patched |
| 2022 |
CVE-2022-22675
Memory corruption via video files; Affects all media-playing apps
|
Critical 9.8 |
iOS 14-15, macOS 11-12
|
|
Patched |
| 2021 |
CVE-2021-30860
NSO Group Pegasus exploit; Complete device compromise
|
Critical 9.8 |
iOS 14.4-14.8
|
|
Patched |
| 2020 |
CVE-2020-27950
Kernel-level code execution; Triggered via malicious fonts
|
Critical 8.8 |
iOS 13-14, macOS 10.15-11
|
|
Patched |
| 2016-2019 |
iBoot Exploits
Permanent jailbreak vectors; Unpatchable hardware flaws
|
Critical 9.8 |
A7-A11 Devices, iOS 10-12
|
|
Legacy |
|
Last updated: September 2025 | Sources: NVD, CVE Details, Apple Security Updates
Critical (9.0-10.0)
High (7.0-8.9)
Legacy
|
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