CVE-2025-43422 is a vulnerability discovered in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows an attacker with physical access to a device to disable the Stolen Device Protection mechanism. This protection is designed to prevent unauthorized use or resetting of lost or stolen devices, typically by enforcing activation lock and other anti-theft features. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or logic flaws in the implementation of these protections, categorized under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel). Exploitation requires physical access but no prior authentication or user interaction, making it a low-complexity attack. The impact is primarily on the integrity of device security controls, enabling attackers to bypass theft deterrence and potentially gain full control of the device. Confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted by this flaw. Apple addressed the issue by adding additional logic checks in iOS and iPadOS 26.1, closing the bypass vector. No public exploits or widespread attacks have been reported to date. The CVSS v3.1 score is 4.6 (medium severity), reflecting the limited attack vector (physical access) but significant impact on device integrity. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations relying on Apple mobile devices to protect sensitive corporate data or to secure access to enterprise resources. Physical security of devices remains a critical control to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in scenarios where devices may be lost, stolen, or temporarily accessed by unauthorized individuals. The ability to disable Stolen Device Protection undermines a key security control designed to protect sensitive corporate and personal data on mobile devices. This could lead to unauthorized access to enterprise applications, email, and confidential information stored on or accessible through the device. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which often use Apple devices for secure communications and data access, may face increased risk of data breaches or espionage. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may see elevated exposure if employees’ devices are compromised. The vulnerability does not directly affect device availability or confidentiality but compromises the integrity of theft protection, potentially facilitating further attacks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating and physical access requirement mean that organizations must remain vigilant, especially in environments with less controlled physical access to devices.

1. Immediately update all Apple iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26.1 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict physical security policies for mobile devices, including secure storage, use of cable locks, and employee awareness training on device handling. 3. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, remotely monitor device status, and enable remote wipe capabilities if devices are lost or stolen. 4. Use strong passcodes and biometric authentication to add layers of protection beyond Stolen Device Protection. 5. Regularly audit and inventory devices to quickly detect missing or compromised units. 6. For high-risk environments, consider additional hardware security modules or tamper-evident measures to deter physical tampering. 7. Educate employees on the risks of physical device compromise and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices immediately. 8. Review and update incident response plans to include procedures for handling potential bypass of device protection features.