CVE-2025-43302 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 that affects a broad range of Apple operating systems, including macOS (Sonoma 14.8, Sequoia 15.7), iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking in system components, allowing a local application to write outside the intended memory buffer. This can lead to unexpected system termination, effectively causing a denial-of-service condition. The vulnerability requires an app to be installed and executed by the user, with no need for elevated privileges or authentication, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the flaw. The impact is limited to availability, as there is no indication of confidentiality or integrity compromise. Apple has released patches in the latest OS versions to address this issue by improving bounds checking mechanisms. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. The vulnerability’s CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity due to local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction and causing only availability impact. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure memory management in OS components and the risk posed by malicious or buggy applications on Apple platforms.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43302 is the potential for denial-of-service conditions on Apple devices, particularly macOS systems used in enterprise environments. Unexpected system termination can disrupt business operations, cause loss of unsaved data, and reduce productivity. Organizations relying on Apple hardware for critical tasks or infrastructure management may face operational interruptions. Although the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or allow privilege escalation, repeated exploitation could degrade user trust and system reliability. In sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where Apple devices are increasingly used, service availability is crucial. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to trick users into triggering the vulnerability. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity score and broad affected product range necessitate proactive mitigation to avoid potential service disruptions.

European organizations should prioritize deploying the latest Apple OS updates that include fixes for CVE-2025-43302, specifically macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, and corresponding versions of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. IT administrators should enforce strict application installation policies, limiting app installations to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or files that could trigger the vulnerability. Implementing endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous app behavior may help identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Regular system monitoring and incident response readiness are recommended to quickly address any unexpected system crashes or suspected exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure timely patch management processes are in place to reduce exposure windows.