CVE-2025-43444 is a permissions-related vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems including watchOS, macOS Tahoe, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The issue arises from insufficient restrictions on app permissions, allowing a malicious app to fingerprint the user. Fingerprinting here refers to the ability to uniquely identify or track a user based on device or usage characteristics exposed through the OS. This vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, making it remotely exploitable over the network. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by enabling user tracking and profiling, but does not affect the integrity or availability of the system. Apple fixed this issue by implementing additional permission restrictions in tvOS 26.1 and corresponding OS updates. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), with vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, unchanged scope, and limited confidentiality impact. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 (Incorrect Default Permissions).

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily poses a privacy risk by enabling malicious apps to fingerprint users on Apple devices, particularly Apple TV. This can lead to unauthorized tracking, profiling, and potential targeted attacks or surveillance. While it does not compromise system integrity or availability, the breach of confidentiality can violate data protection regulations such as GDPR, leading to legal and reputational consequences. Organizations relying on Apple devices for media consumption, digital signage, or internal communications could see user privacy compromised. The risk is heightened in sectors with strict privacy requirements, including finance, healthcare, and government. Additionally, consumer-facing businesses using Apple TV apps may inadvertently expose customer data. The lack of required user interaction or privileges means attackers can exploit this vulnerability stealthily, increasing the risk of widespread fingerprinting campaigns.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, and visionOS 26.1 to ensure the permissions issue is resolved. 2. Audit and restrict app permissions on Apple devices, especially for apps installed on Apple TV and related platforms, to minimize exposure. 3. Implement application whitelisting or use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control which apps can be installed and run on organizational devices. 4. Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual patterns that may indicate fingerprinting or tracking attempts. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted apps and encourage the use of apps from verified sources only. 6. For organizations developing Apple TV apps, review app design to avoid exposing identifying information and adhere to the principle of least privilege. 7. Consider network segmentation for Apple TV devices to limit potential lateral movement or data exfiltration.