CVE-2025-43350 is a permissions-related vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that allows unauthorized viewing of restricted content directly from the device lock screen. The root cause is a permissions misconfiguration (CWE-276) that fails to adequately restrict access to sensitive information when the device is locked. This could enable an attacker with physical access to the device to bypass lock screen restrictions and view notifications or other sensitive content without unlocking the device. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to iOS and iPadOS 26.1, where Apple implemented additional restrictions to address the issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 2.4, reflecting low impact on confidentiality, no impact on integrity or availability, no required privileges, and no user interaction. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The vulnerability primarily threatens confidentiality of data displayed on the lock screen, such as message previews or calendar events. Since exploitation requires physical access, remote attacks are not feasible. The fix involves tightening permission checks and restricting content visibility on the lock screen to prevent unauthorized access.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43350 is the potential exposure of sensitive or confidential information displayed on iOS and iPadOS lock screens. This could lead to privacy breaches if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Although the vulnerability does not allow modification or deletion of data, the leakage of restricted content could aid social engineering or targeted attacks. Organizations with mobile workforces relying heavily on Apple devices may face increased risk, especially in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, or government. However, the overall impact is limited by the requirement for physical device access and the relatively low severity of the vulnerability. Availability and integrity of systems remain unaffected, minimizing operational disruption. The vulnerability underscores the importance of securing endpoint devices and controlling what information is displayed on lock screens.

1. Immediately update all Apple iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26.1 or later to apply the official patch that addresses this vulnerability. 2. Review and configure lock screen settings to minimize the amount of sensitive information displayed, such as disabling message previews, notifications, and other content that could reveal confidential data. 3. Enforce strong device access controls including complex passcodes, biometric authentication, and automatic lock timers to reduce the risk of unauthorized physical access. 4. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to centrally manage security policies and ensure compliance with lock screen content restrictions. 5. Educate employees on the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices promptly. 6. Consider encrypting sensitive notifications or using secure communication apps that do not display sensitive content on the lock screen. 7. Regularly audit device security posture and update policies as needed to address emerging threats related to endpoint data exposure.