CVE-2025-43209 is an out-of-bounds access vulnerability in Safari's web content processing engine affecting Apple iPadOS and other Apple operating systems such as macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. The root cause is insufficient bounds checking when handling certain web content, which can lead to memory corruption. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). Exploiting this flaw requires no privileges or user interaction and can be triggered remotely by simply visiting or processing maliciously crafted web content. The impact includes potential arbitrary code execution, data leakage, or denial of service due to unexpected application crashes. Apple has released patches in versions macOS Sequoia 15.6, iPadOS 17.7.9 and 18.6, iOS 18.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7, watchOS 11.6, and visionOS 2.6 to address this issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the vulnerability’s nature and severity make it a high priority for patching. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the patched releases, though exact affected versions are unspecified. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in enterprise and government sectors, exploitation could lead to significant operational disruptions and data breaches.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk due to the widespread use of Apple devices, particularly iPads, in business, education, and government sectors. Exploitation could lead to unexpected Safari crashes causing denial of service, potentially disrupting critical workflows and communications. More severe impacts include remote code execution, which could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromise device integrity, or move laterally within networks. Confidentiality breaches could expose personal, financial, or intellectual property data, while integrity violations could undermine trust in digital communications and transactions. The lack of required privileges or user interaction for exploitation increases the threat level, making automated or mass exploitation feasible. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms, increasing the attack surface. Unpatched devices in European organizations could become entry points for broader cyberattacks, including espionage or ransomware campaigns.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for iPadOS, macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS as applicable. Specifically, upgrading to iPadOS 17.7.9 or 18.6 and the corresponding patched versions of other Apple OSes is critical. Network administrators should implement web content filtering to block access to suspicious or untrusted websites that could host maliciously crafted content targeting this vulnerability. Employing endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous Safari crashes or exploit attempts can provide additional defense layers. Organizations should enforce strict device management policies, including restricting installation of unapproved apps and controlling device usage in sensitive environments. User education should emphasize caution when browsing unknown websites, even though no user interaction is required for exploitation, as some attack vectors may still involve social engineering. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory updates will help identify unpatched Apple devices. Finally, consider network segmentation to limit the impact of compromised devices and monitor network traffic for signs of exploitation attempts.