Impersonation Risk in iOS and iPadOS Notifications by Apple

CVE-2025-24091

What is CVE-2025-24091?

CVE-2025-24091 is a vulnerability identified in Apple's iOS and iPadOS platforms, notably affecting the integrity of system notifications. This flaw allows applications to potentially impersonate legitimate system notifications, creating a risk for users who may be misled by false alerts. The seriousness of this vulnerability necessitates immediate attention, as it can result in various negative outcomes for organizations relying on Apple's ecosystem for secure communications and operations.

Technical Details

This vulnerability involves a misuse of the notification system within iOS and iPadOS, which can be exploited if appropriate restrictions on sensitive notifications are not enforced. The issue has been addressed in updates to both operating systems, specifically in versions 18.3 for iOS and iPadOS, as well as 17.7.3 for iPadOS. While exploitation in the real world has not been confirmed, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that it could lead to denial-of-service conditions under specific circumstances.

Potential Impact of CVE-2025-24091

• Misinformation and User Manipulation: The ability for applications to impersonate system notifications can lead to users being misinformed about critical alerts, resulting in potential security breaches if users act on these fraudulent notifications.

• Denial-of-Service (DoS): Exploitation of this flaw may cause disruption in device functionality, leading to scenarios where legitimate notifications are blocked, further complicating routine operations and communication.

• Increased Security Risks: Organizations dependent on Apple's platforms for their mobile operations may face heightened security risks as attackers could manipulate notifications to engage in phishing attempts or deploy malware, seriously compromising sensitive data integrity.

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