Apple’s security updates are packed with fixes, but sometimes a bug comes along that’s particularly interesting and easy to understand—even if you’re not a tech expert. The recently patched CVE-2025-24113 is a great example. Let’s break down what this issue was, how hackers could have used it, and how Apple fixed it.

visionOS (before 2.3)

The simplest explanation: if you visited a specially crafted (malicious) website, that site could spoof the user interface (UI). In other words, it could make something fake look real—tricking you into trusting or interacting with it.

Official Description

> *Visiting a malicious website may lead to user interface spoofing. The issue was addressed with improved UI.*
> — Apple Security Updates

What Is “User Interface Spoofing”?

User interface spoofing means making something *look* authentic when it isn’t. For example, a fake pop-up that looks like an Apple login, or a browser bar that pretends to show a trusted website—even though it’s malicious underneath.

Imagine you’re on your iPhone, browsing a website. Suddenly, a dialog appears

> Your Apple ID has expired. Please log in again.

But this isn’t an Apple message—it’s a carefully designed fake made by the website. If you type your credentials, you gave them right to the attacker.

How Could Hackers Exploit CVE-2025-24113?

Although Apple doesn’t describe the deep technical exploit path in public, ethical researchers and hackers use known web tricks to do this. Here’s a simple JavaScript trick that’s often used for spoofing:

<!-- Example: Fake Address Bar -->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head><title>Safe Website</title>
<style>
#fakebar {
  position: fixed;
  top: ; left: ; right: ;
  background: #fff;
  color: #222;
  font-size: 16px;
  padding: 4px 8px;
  z-index: 9999;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc;
}
body { margin-top: 30px; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="fakebar">
  <img src="lock_icon.png" height="14" style="vertical-align:middle"/>
  safe-website.com
</div>
<p>This website appears safe, but look at the address bar—it's fake!</p>
</body>
</html>

A page like this, running in a vulnerable version of Safari, could potentially make the browser UI look like you’re on a legit website, tricking you.

Trick you into approving payments or downloading malware

Spoofing is a classic cyberattack method because it exploits human trust in familiar visual cues.

How Did Apple Fix It?

According to Apple’s *release notes*, the fix was improved UI. That means Apple made Safari and its other web browsers display things (like dialogs, address bars, and site IDs) in a way that cannot be faked by a web page.

In general, browsers now lock down how sites can interfere with or mimic system UI. This makes it much harder for attackers to pull off these tricks.

Update your devices

If you’re running macOS Sequoia, iOS, iPadOS, Safari, or visionOS—make sure you update to version 15.3/18.3/2.3 or later.

Trust but verify

If a pop-up asks for sensitive info, double-check the address bar, and consider closing the tab and contacting official support.

Stay informed

Read Apple’s security page regularly for important updates.

- Apple Security Updates for CVE-2025-24113
- National Vulnerability Database: CVE-2025-24113
- What is Phishing? (Phishing.org)

Final Thoughts

CVE-2025-24113 is a reminder that even the visual design of your browser is a defense against cybercrime. If you haven’t updated, do it now—and be careful with sites that look just a little bit *off*. Stay safe!

Timeline

Published on: 01/27/2025 22:15:16 UTC
Last modified on: 01/31/2025 22:15:13 UTC