CVE-2025-43436 is a permissions-related vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems including watchOS, macOS Tahoe, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS, all fixed in version 26.1. The flaw allows a malicious application to enumerate the list of installed applications on a user's device without requiring any privileges or user interaction. This enumeration capability stems from insufficient restrictions on app permissions, categorized under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel). The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, reflecting its network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as attackers can gain insight into installed software, which can be leveraged for targeted attacks or privacy violations. There is no impact on integrity or availability. Apple addressed this issue by implementing additional permission restrictions in the affected OS versions released in late 2025. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's characteristics make it a significant risk if exploited. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 26.1, though exact affected versions are unspecified.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a privacy and reconnaissance risk. Attackers could use the ability to enumerate installed apps to profile users or corporate environments, identifying security tools, communication apps, or proprietary software that could be targeted in follow-up attacks. This is particularly relevant for organizations using Apple TV devices in conference rooms, digital signage, or employee environments, as well as those with employees using other affected Apple devices. While it does not allow direct code execution or system compromise, the information leakage can facilitate social engineering, targeted phishing, or tailored malware campaigns. The confidentiality breach could also violate GDPR requirements regarding user data privacy if app usage data is considered personal information. The lack of required privileges or user interaction increases the risk of silent exploitation. However, the absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate impact.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 as soon as possible to apply the fix. Device management policies should enforce OS version compliance and restrict installation of untrusted or unvetted applications, especially on Apple TV devices used in corporate environments. Network segmentation can limit exposure of Apple TV devices to untrusted networks. Monitoring for unusual app behavior or network traffic from Apple devices may help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should review app permissions and audit installed apps to reduce attack surface. Employee awareness training should include information about risks from malicious apps on Apple devices. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure timely patch management aligned with Apple’s security updates.