CVE-2025-43214 is a vulnerability in Apple Safari caused by improper memory handling when processing maliciously crafted web content, leading to an unexpected crash of the browser. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-119, indicating a buffer-related memory safety issue. The flaw affects multiple Apple platforms including Safari on macOS Sequoia 15.6, iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, tvOS 18.6, and visionOS 2.6. Exploitation requires no privileges (AV:N/PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as visiting a maliciously crafted webpage. The impact is limited to availability, causing denial of service by crashing Safari, without compromising confidentiality or integrity. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, reflecting a medium severity level. Apple has fixed the issue by improving memory handling in Safari 18.6 and corresponding OS updates. No known public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability could be used in targeted attacks to disrupt user access to web resources or services relying on Safari. Organizations with significant Apple device usage should prioritize patching to mitigate potential denial-of-service risks. The vulnerability does not allow remote code execution or data theft but can degrade user experience and availability of web services accessed via Safari.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily poses a risk of denial of service by causing Safari to crash unexpectedly when processing malicious web content. This can disrupt business operations, especially for organizations relying on Safari for critical web applications or internal portals. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is negligible, but availability degradation can affect productivity and service continuity. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions that use Apple devices extensively may experience operational interruptions. Additionally, targeted phishing or watering-hole attacks could exploit this vulnerability to cause widespread disruption. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using Safari on Apple devices may see increased exposure. Although no active exploits are known, the medium severity and ease of triggering the crash via crafted web content warrant prompt mitigation to avoid potential denial-of-service campaigns or user frustration.

1. Apply the latest Apple updates immediately, specifically Safari 18.6 and corresponding OS updates (macOS Sequoia 15.6, iOS/iPadOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, tvOS 18.6, visionOS 2.6). 2. Implement network-level web filtering to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites that could host crafted content. 3. Educate users on the risks of clicking unknown or suspicious links, emphasizing caution with unsolicited emails or messages. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting abnormal browser crashes or suspicious web activity. 5. Monitor Safari crash logs centrally to detect potential exploitation attempts or patterns indicative of targeted attacks. 6. For critical environments, consider restricting Safari usage or deploying alternative browsers until patches are applied. 7. Maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any denial-of-service incidents caused by browser crashes. 8. Coordinate with IT asset management to identify all Apple devices running vulnerable Safari versions to ensure comprehensive patch coverage.