CVE-2025-43265 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems including watchOS, visionOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. The issue stems from an out-of-bounds read caused by insufficient input validation when processing maliciously crafted web content. An out-of-bounds read occurs when a program reads data outside the boundaries of allocated memory, which can lead to unintended disclosure of internal application states or memory contents. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker to craft web content that, when processed by the affected Apple operating systems, may disclose sensitive internal states of the application. This could potentially expose information that aids further exploitation or reveals sensitive data. Apple has addressed this vulnerability by improving input validation in the affected components and released patches in watchOS 11.6, visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, and tvOS 18.6. The vulnerability does not require user authentication but likely requires user interaction in the form of processing or rendering malicious web content, such as visiting a malicious website or opening a malicious web-based resource. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS and related Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases. The root cause is an out-of-bounds read due to improper input validation, which Apple has remediated with improved input validation checks to prevent memory access violations and information leakage.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to those using Apple devices across their enterprise environments, including macOS desktops and laptops, as well as iOS and iPadOS devices. The potential impact includes unauthorized disclosure of internal application states or memory contents, which could lead to leakage of sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user data, or application logic. This information disclosure could facilitate further targeted attacks, including privilege escalation or remote code execution exploits. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on Apple ecosystems—such as creative industries, finance, healthcare, and government—may be particularly affected. The vulnerability could also impact organizations that allow web browsing or web-based applications on Apple devices, as exploitation requires processing malicious web content. Although no active exploitation is reported, the risk increases once threat actors develop reliable exploit code. The confidentiality of sensitive data is the primary concern, with potential secondary impacts on integrity and availability if further exploitation chains are developed. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in Europe, especially in countries with high technology adoption rates, the vulnerability could have broad implications if left unpatched.

European organizations should prioritize deploying the security updates released by Apple for all affected operating systems: macOS Sequoia 15.6, watchOS 11.6, visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, and tvOS 18.6. Patch management policies should ensure rapid testing and deployment of these updates across all Apple devices in the enterprise. Additionally, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web content filtering and intrusion detection systems to block or flag access to suspicious or malicious web content that could exploit this vulnerability. User awareness training should emphasize caution when accessing unknown or untrusted websites, especially on Apple devices. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring abnormal memory access or application behavior on Apple devices can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review and restrict unnecessary web content processing capabilities in enterprise applications and browsers where feasible. Finally, maintaining comprehensive asset inventories of Apple devices and ensuring they are included in vulnerability management programs will help mitigate exposure.