CVE-2025-43436 is a permissions-related vulnerability in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems (watchOS, iOS, iPadOS, visionOS) that allows an application to enumerate the list of installed apps on a user's device. This enumeration capability arises due to insufficient permission restrictions, enabling an app to gather information about other installed applications without explicit user consent. Such information disclosure can be leveraged by attackers to profile users, identify installed software, and potentially tailor further attacks or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability was identified and addressed by Apple in OS versions 26.1 across the affected platforms. The fix involves implementing additional restrictions on app permissions to prevent unauthorized app enumeration. No specific affected versions were detailed, but the vulnerability is resolved in the latest OS updates. There are no known exploits in the wild, indicating that exploitation is currently theoretical but possible. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk of silent exploitation by malicious apps. However, the impact is limited to confidentiality/privacy rather than direct compromise of system integrity or availability.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43436 is the potential breach of user privacy and confidentiality. Malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability could profile users by identifying installed applications, which may reveal sensitive information about user behavior, preferences, or installed enterprise apps. This could facilitate targeted social engineering or spear-phishing attacks. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the privacy implications can affect compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR, especially if user data is indirectly exposed or misused. Organizations deploying Apple devices, particularly those with tvOS devices in meeting rooms or public areas, may face increased risk if unvetted apps are installed. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the ease of exploitation without user interaction means vigilance is necessary. The impact is more pronounced in sectors with high privacy requirements, including finance, healthcare, and government.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43436, European organizations should: 1) Promptly update all Apple devices to version 26.1 or later of tvOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS to apply the official fix. 2) Enforce strict app installation policies, limiting app sources to trusted vendors and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app deployment. 3) Monitor installed applications on managed devices to detect unauthorized or suspicious apps that could exploit this vulnerability. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps, especially on shared or public devices. 5) Review and tighten app permission settings where possible to minimize unnecessary access. 6) Implement network-level controls to detect anomalous app behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic patching by emphasizing proactive device management and user awareness tailored to the vulnerability's privacy-focused nature.