CVE-2025-43349 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 that affects Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS platforms. The flaw arises from improper input validation when processing video files, allowing a specially crafted video to trigger memory corruption leading to unexpected application termination. This vulnerability does not allow for code execution or data leakage but can cause denial of service by crashing apps that handle the malicious video content. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 2.8, reflecting low severity due to the requirement for local access, limited privileges, and user interaction to exploit. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and publicly disclosed in September 2025, with patches released in iOS 18.7, iPadOS 18.7, macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited active threat. The root cause is an out-of-bounds write caused by insufficient bounds checking during video file processing, which Apple mitigated by enhancing input validation routines in the affected OS components.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-43349 is availability degradation through denial-of-service conditions caused by application crashes when processing maliciously crafted video files. This can disrupt user experience and potentially impact business operations relying on affected Apple devices for media consumption or processing. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, remote exploitation is not feasible, limiting the attack surface. However, targeted attacks or social engineering could induce users to open malicious videos, causing app instability or crashes. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity, and no privilege escalation or code execution is possible. Organizations with large deployments of Apple devices, especially in environments where video files are frequently shared or processed, may face operational disruptions if unpatched. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but patching remains critical to prevent future exploitation attempts.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43349, organizations should promptly apply the official Apple security updates: iOS 18.7, iPadOS 18.7, macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. Until patches are deployed, users should avoid opening untrusted or unsolicited video files, especially from unknown sources. Implementing endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious media files may provide additional defense. Organizations should educate users about the risks of opening suspicious video content and enforce policies restricting the use of unauthorized media files. Monitoring application crash logs and unusual app terminations can help identify potential exploitation attempts. For environments with high security requirements, consider restricting video file formats or sources to trusted channels only. Regularly review and update device management policies to ensure timely deployment of security patches across all Apple devices.