CVE-2025-43368 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in Apple's Safari browser on iOS and iPadOS platforms. This vulnerability arises from improper memory management when processing maliciously crafted web content, which can lead to an unexpected crash of the Safari browser. Specifically, the issue is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free), indicating that the application attempts to use memory after it has been freed, potentially causing instability or crashes. The vulnerability affects versions of iOS and iPadOS prior to version 26, as Apple addressed the issue with improved memory management in Safari 26, macOS Tahoe 26, iOS 26, and iPadOS 26. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R) to trigger the vulnerability, such as visiting a malicious website. The impact is limited to availability, causing a denial of service via browser crash, with no direct impact on confidentiality or integrity. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patch links were provided, but updating to the fixed versions is the recommended remediation. This vulnerability does not allow code execution or data leakage but can disrupt user experience and potentially be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43368 is a potential denial of service affecting users of iOS and iPadOS devices through Safari browser crashes. This can disrupt business operations reliant on mobile web access, especially in sectors with high mobile device usage such as finance, healthcare, and public services. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise data confidentiality or integrity, repeated crashes could lead to productivity loss, user frustration, and increased support costs. In environments where mobile devices are used for critical communications or access to web-based applications, this could degrade operational efficiency. Additionally, attackers might use this vulnerability as a vector to distract or disrupt users while attempting other attacks. Given the widespread use of Apple mobile devices across Europe, organizations with a significant iOS/iPadOS user base should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43368, European organizations should prioritize updating all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions can facilitate rapid deployment of these updates across enterprise devices. Users should be educated to avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites, as user interaction is required to trigger the crash. Network-level protections such as web filtering and DNS filtering can block access to known malicious domains hosting crafted web content. Organizations should monitor for unusual Safari crash reports or increased helpdesk tickets related to browser instability. For critical environments, consider restricting Safari usage or deploying alternative browsers until patches are applied. Incident response plans should include procedures for handling denial of service incidents caused by browser crashes. Finally, maintain awareness of any emerging exploit reports or patches from Apple to respond promptly.