CVE-2025-43399 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, iOS, and iPadOS platforms, where an application can access protected user data due to insufficient redaction of sensitive information. The root cause relates to improper handling of sensitive data within the operating system, categorized under CWE-359 (Exposure of Sensitive Information Through an Error Message). This flaw allows a remote attacker to exploit the vulnerability without requiring any privileges or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to the patched releases: iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as unauthorized apps may gain access to sensitive user data, potentially including personal information, credentials, or other protected content. The vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability directly. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild, the low complexity of attack and lack of required privileges make this a critical concern. Apple addressed the issue by improving the redaction mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data exposure. Organizations relying on Apple devices should prioritize patching to mitigate risks of data leakage.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user and corporate data stored or processed on Apple devices. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that use macOS or iOS devices extensively could suffer data breaches, leading to regulatory penalties under GDPR and reputational damage. The ability for an app to access protected data without user interaction or privileges increases the risk of stealthy data exfiltration or espionage. This could facilitate insider threats or supply chain attacks if malicious apps are introduced. The lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the scope to data confidentiality, but given the sensitivity of information on Apple devices, the consequences can be severe. Organizations with remote workforces using Apple hardware are particularly vulnerable due to network attack vector accessibility.

European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple for iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application vetting policies, restricting installation of untrusted or unsigned apps to reduce exposure. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce update compliance and monitor device security posture. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and permissions to detect anomalous access to sensitive data. Educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software. Network segmentation and endpoint detection tools can help identify suspicious data access patterns. Finally, maintain robust data encryption and access control policies to minimize the impact of any potential data exposure.