Detect Apple WebKit Use-After-Free Exploitation Attempt (CVE-2025-43529) in CrowdStrike LogScale
Detects exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2025-43529, a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple's WebKit browser engine affecting multiple Apple products. This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild (CISA KEV) and can lead to arbitrary code execution when a user visits a maliciously crafted webpage. Attackers may leverage this flaw to achieve initial access or privilege escalation on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices.
MITRE ATT&CK
LogScale Detection Query
#event_simpleName=ProcessRollup2
| ParentBaseFileName IN ("Safari", "WebProcess", "com.apple.WebKit.WebContent")
| FileName IN ("sh", "bash", "zsh", "python3", "curl", "osascript", "launchctl", "nc", "ncat", "xterm")
| PlatformType = "Mac"
| eval risk="CVE-2025-43529 WebKit UAF Exploitation Attempt"
| stats count() as EventCount, earliest(timestamp) as FirstSeen, latest(timestamp) as LastSeen, values(CommandLine) as Commands by aid, ComputerName, UserName, ParentBaseFileName, FileName, risk
| sort -EventCountCrowdStrike Falcon CQL detection for Apple WebKit use-after-free exploitation identifying suspicious child processes spawned from Safari or WebKit content process on macOS endpoints.
Data Sources
Required Tables
False Positives & Tuning
- Browser automation agents running Selenium or Playwright tests on macOS
- Enterprise IT management tools that leverage osascript via browser triggers
- Developer workflow integrations that spawn terminal sessions from browser
- macOS software update mechanisms initiated through Safari browser UI
Other platforms for CVE-2025-43529
Testing Methodology
Validate this detection against 3 adversary techniques from Atomic Red Team. Each test below lists the behaviour to exercise and the telemetry you should expect to see. Executable commands and cleanup steps are available with Pro.
- Test 1Simulate WebKit Child Process Spawn (macOS)
Expected signal: Process creation event: parent=osascript, child=bash; bash executing id and whoami commands
- Test 2WebProcess Curl Outbound Simulation
Expected signal: Network connection event: process=curl, initiated from simulated WebKit parent context, destination=127.0.0.1:9999
- Test 3Launchctl Persistence Attempt Post-WebKit Exploitation
Expected signal: Process creation: launchctl load with plist argument; file write to /tmp/webkit_test/test.plist; LaunchAgent registration event in macOS Unified Log
Unlock Pro Content
Get the full detection package for CVE-2025-43529 including response playbook, investigation guide, and atomic red team tests.