CVE-2025-43389 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, fixed in version 18.7.2. The issue allowed a locally installed app, operating with limited privileges (PR:L), to access sensitive user data without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-359, which relates to exposure of sensitive information due to improper handling or insufficient access control. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, indicating local attack vector, low complexity, limited privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, and no impact on integrity or availability. The root cause was a privacy issue in the code that Apple resolved by removing the vulnerable code segment. No specific affected versions were detailed, but the fix is included in iOS and iPadOS 18.7.2. There are no known exploits in the wild, suggesting limited or no active exploitation currently. The vulnerability primarily threatens confidentiality by enabling unauthorized data access, which could lead to privacy breaches or leakage of sensitive personal or corporate information stored on mobile devices. Since exploitation requires local app installation, the threat vector involves malicious or compromised apps bypassing sandbox restrictions or exploiting insufficient access controls. This vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous app vetting and OS patching to maintain data privacy on Apple mobile devices.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43389 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on iOS and iPadOS devices. This can lead to privacy violations, exposure of confidential corporate information, and potential compliance issues under GDPR and other data protection regulations. Organizations with mobile workforces relying on Apple devices are at risk of data leakage through malicious or compromised apps exploiting this vulnerability. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach could damage organizational reputation and lead to regulatory penalties. The requirement for local app installation limits remote exploitation but increases risk from insider threats or social engineering attacks that induce users to install malicious apps. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation. European sectors with high mobile device usage, such as finance, healthcare, and government, may face elevated risks due to the sensitivity of data handled on mobile endpoints.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43389, European organizations should: 1) Ensure all iOS and iPadOS devices are updated to version 18.7.2 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2) Enforce strict app installation policies, allowing only apps from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app deployment. 3) Implement app permission audits to detect and restrict apps requesting access to sensitive data beyond their functional requirements. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of timely OS updates. 5) Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual behavior indicative of data exfiltration attempts. 6) Use endpoint security solutions capable of detecting anomalous app activities on iOS/iPadOS devices. 7) Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate mobile device security best practices, including encryption and secure authentication. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling app installation vectors and enhancing visibility into app behavior on Apple mobile platforms.