CVE-2025-43226 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple iPadOS and other Apple operating systems, including watchOS, iOS, tvOS, macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma, and visionOS. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read condition (CWE-125) when processing a maliciously crafted image file. Specifically, improper input validation allows the system to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries during image processing. This can lead to the disclosure of process memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive information residing in memory. The vulnerability does not allow modification or deletion of data (no integrity or availability impact) and does not require user interaction or privileges to exploit, but it does require local access (AV:L - adjacent or local vector). Apple has addressed this issue by improving input validation in the affected components, with fixes released in watchOS 11.6, iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6 and 17.7.9, tvOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and visionOS 2.6. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.0, reflecting the limited scope and impact of the vulnerability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability primarily affects the confidentiality of process memory but does not impact integrity or availability. Exploitation requires the attacker to supply a crafted image file that the system processes, which could be delivered via local file access or possibly through apps that handle image files. Given the broad range of Apple operating systems affected, this vulnerability is relevant to users and organizations relying on Apple devices for daily operations, especially those handling sensitive data on iPads and other Apple hardware.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43226 is the potential leakage of sensitive information from process memory on Apple devices, particularly iPads running vulnerable versions of iPadOS. This could include exposure of confidential business data, credentials, or cryptographic material if such data resides in memory at the time of exploitation. Although the vulnerability requires local access and does not involve remote exploitation or user interaction, it could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who gain physical or local access to devices. Organizations in sectors with high data sensitivity, such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, may face increased risk if Apple devices are used without timely patching. The confidentiality breach could lead to compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is exposed. However, the lack of known exploits and the medium severity rating suggest the immediate risk is moderate. Still, the widespread use of Apple devices in European enterprises and public sector entities means that unpatched systems could be targeted in targeted attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities for greater impact.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to the patched versions of their operating systems as soon as possible. Specifically, iPads should be updated to iPadOS 18.6 or 17.7.9, and other Apple devices to their respective fixed OS versions. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict device access controls to prevent unauthorized local access, including enforcing strong physical security policies and endpoint protection measures. Limiting the ability to open untrusted image files from unknown sources can reduce exposure; this can be achieved through application whitelisting, restricting app permissions, and user training to avoid opening suspicious files. Monitoring and logging local device access and file operations may help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. For highly sensitive environments, consider disabling or restricting image processing features or apps that handle untrusted images until patches are applied. Finally, maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure compliance with patch management policies to reduce the attack surface.