Apple Fixes Zero-Click Vulnerability in Messages App Used for Targeted Spyware Attacks on Journalists
June 13, 2025
Spyware / Vulnerability
Apple has revealed that a recently patched security flaw in its Messages app was actively exploited to carry out sophisticated cyber attacks on civil society members. Identified as CVE-2025-43200, the vulnerability was remedied on February 10, 2025, through updates to iOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 17.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.4, watchOS 11.3.1, and visionOS 2.3.1. According to the company, “A logic issue existed when processing a maliciously crafted photo or video shared via an iCloud Link,” which was resolved with improved security checks. Apple also acknowledged awareness that this vulnerability may have been exploited in “extremely sophisticated” attacks targeting specific individuals. Notably, the updates for iOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 17.7.5 also fixed another actively exploited zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2025-24200.