CVE-2025-43361 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS Sonoma, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS. The root cause is an out-of-bounds read condition due to inadequate bounds checking in kernel memory access routines. This flaw allows a malicious application, running with limited privileges (PR:L), to read sensitive kernel memory without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as kernel memory exposure can reveal sensitive data, potentially aid in privilege escalation, or destabilize the system. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Apple has addressed this issue by improving bounds checking in the affected OS versions, specifically in tvOS 26, watchOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, and visionOS 26. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read). No public exploits are known at this time, but the potential for exploitation remains significant given the nature of kernel memory exposure. The vulnerability’s presence across multiple Apple platforms increases the attack surface, especially in environments heavily reliant on Apple devices. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment and monitor for suspicious app behavior that might attempt to exploit this flaw.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43361 can be substantial. Kernel memory exposure can lead to leakage of sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system internals, compromising confidentiality. It may also facilitate privilege escalation attacks, undermining system integrity and potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This can disrupt availability if exploited to crash or destabilize devices. Enterprises relying on Apple devices for critical business operations, including mobile workforce and IoT deployments, face increased risk of data breaches and operational disruptions. The vulnerability’s local attack vector means that attackers need to install a malicious app, which is feasible in environments where app vetting is insufficient or where users install apps from untrusted sources. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once the malicious app is present. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in Europe’s public and private sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government, the potential for targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability is significant. Failure to patch promptly could expose organizations to espionage, data theft, and service interruptions.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Immediately deploy the patched OS versions released by Apple (tvOS 26, watchOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, visionOS 26) across all Apple devices in use. 2) Enforce strict app installation policies limiting installations to the official Apple App Store and vetted enterprise apps to reduce the risk of malicious app deployment. 3) Utilize Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app permissions and detect anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of timely updates. 5) Implement runtime protections such as kernel integrity monitoring and anomaly detection to identify suspicious kernel memory access patterns. 6) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on Apple device security posture. 7) For high-risk environments, consider additional endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for Apple platforms to provide real-time threat detection. 8) Maintain an incident response plan specifically addressing potential exploitation of kernel vulnerabilities to ensure rapid containment and remediation.