CVE-2025-43222 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in Apple iPadOS and related macOS versions, including macOS Sequoia 15.6, Ventura 13.7.7, and Sonoma 14.7.7. The vulnerability stems from a memory management flaw where the system attempts to access memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior such as unexpected app termination. This type of vulnerability (CWE-416) can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring any privileges or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a critical security issue. Apple addressed the vulnerability by removing the vulnerable code in the specified OS updates. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild yet, the severity and ease of exploitation make it a significant threat. The vulnerability affects all unspecified versions prior to the patched releases, implying a broad attack surface on devices running outdated iPadOS or macOS versions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to crash applications or potentially execute malicious code, leading to data breaches or denial of service.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk, especially those that rely heavily on Apple iPads for business operations, communication, or sensitive data handling. Exploitation could lead to unexpected app crashes disrupting workflows or enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to confidential information, compromising data integrity and availability. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that use iPads for mobile access are particularly vulnerable. The potential for remote exploitation without user interaction increases the likelihood of widespread attacks if patches are not applied promptly. Additionally, the disruption caused by app terminations could affect operational continuity and trust in mobile device security. Given the critical severity, organizations face risks of data leakage, service outages, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal data is compromised.

European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to iPadOS 17.7.9 or later and the corresponding macOS versions to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Implement device management policies to enforce timely OS updates and restrict the use of outdated devices. Monitor application logs and system behavior for signs of unexpected app crashes or anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Employ network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems tuned to detect suspicious traffic patterns targeting Apple devices. Educate users about the importance of installing updates promptly and avoiding untrusted applications that could trigger exploitation. For high-security environments, consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploits. Maintain an incident response plan specifically addressing mobile device vulnerabilities and ensure backups are up to date to mitigate data loss risks. Collaborate with Apple support channels for threat intelligence updates and guidance.