CVE-2025-43221: Apple iOS and iPadOS · Out-of-bounds Read
Affects Apple iOS and iPadOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.1 High · fixed in 18.6 : patch Apple iOS and iPadOS soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 17:16 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.2% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 13% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 18.6
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 29 Jul 2025
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iOS and iPadOS | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
- Immediately update all affected Apple devices to iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, tvOS 18.6, and visionOS 2.6 or later to apply the official patches addressing this vulnerability.
- Implement strict media file handling policies, including disabling automatic media file processing in email clients and messaging apps where possible.
- Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious media files, emphasizing caution with files from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous app crashes or memory corruption behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts.
- Monitor logs and application behavior for signs of unexpected terminations or memory corruption events that could signal attempted exploitation.
- For organizations, consider network-level controls to scan and filter media files entering the environment to reduce exposure to malicious content.
- Maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure timely patch management processes are in place to rapidly deploy security updates.
Description
An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, tvOS 18.6, visionOS 2.6. Processing a maliciously crafted media file may lead to unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory.
References
- support.apple.com/en-us/124147 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/124149 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/124153 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/124154 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/37 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/36 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/32 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/30 (opens in a new tab)