CVE-2025-43365 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows an unprivileged process to terminate root-level processes, leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The root cause is insufficient input validation in the system’s process management components, which permits lower-privileged applications or processes to send crafted inputs or signals that cause critical system processes running with root privileges to terminate unexpectedly. This can disrupt essential system functions, degrade device stability, or cause crashes, effectively denying service to legitimate users. The vulnerability affects versions of iOS and iPadOS prior to 26, with Apple addressing the issue by implementing improved input validation in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no active exploitation has been reported. The flaw does not require user interaction or authentication, increasing the risk of exploitation by malicious apps or local attackers. The vulnerability primarily impacts the availability and integrity of the operating system, as terminating root processes can lead to system instability or forced reboots. This issue is particularly relevant for environments where Apple mobile devices are used for critical business or operational tasks, as it could disrupt workflows or services dependent on device availability.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could result in significant operational disruptions, especially in sectors heavily reliant on Apple mobile devices such as finance, healthcare, and government. The ability of an unprivileged process to terminate root processes can lead to device crashes or forced restarts, causing loss of productivity and potential data loss if unsaved work is interrupted. In environments where mobile devices are used for secure communications or critical applications, this could degrade service availability and impact business continuity. Additionally, if exploited in targeted attacks, it could serve as a vector for broader denial-of-service campaigns against mobile endpoints. While the vulnerability does not directly expose confidential data, the disruption to system integrity and availability poses a serious risk to organizational operations. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate threat levels but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation, especially as attackers develop proof-of-concept code.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading all affected Apple devices to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 as soon as these versions are available and tested within their environments. Until updates are deployed, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit the installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps that could exploit this vulnerability. Monitoring system logs for unexpected termination of root processes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Employing mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and control app permissions will reduce the attack surface. Additionally, educating users about the risks of installing unverified applications and maintaining regular backups of critical data can mitigate the impact of potential denial-of-service incidents. Network-level protections, such as restricting device access to sensitive systems during suspected attack periods, can also help contain the impact. Finally, organizations should stay informed about any emerging exploit reports or patches from Apple and update their defenses accordingly.