CVE-2025-43445 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and other Apple operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. The root cause is insufficient input validation when processing media files, allowing a specially crafted media file to cause the application to read memory outside the intended buffer bounds. This can result in unexpected application termination or corruption of process memory, potentially leading to denial-of-service conditions or instability in affected applications. The vulnerability is triggered when a user opens or processes a malicious media file, requiring user interaction but no elevated privileges. Apple has addressed this issue by improving input validation in the affected OS versions, with patches released in macOS Tahoe 26.1, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 (out-of-bounds read), which is a common memory safety issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a medium severity primarily due to its impact on availability (app termination) without compromising confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt services or applications by causing crashes. The broad range of affected Apple platforms increases the scope of potential impact, especially in environments where Apple devices are widely used for business or critical operations.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43445 is the potential for denial-of-service conditions caused by application crashes or memory corruption when processing malicious media files. This can disrupt business operations, especially in sectors relying heavily on Apple devices such as creative industries, media companies, education, and enterprises with macOS or iOS device fleets. While the vulnerability does not directly expose sensitive data or allow code execution, the instability caused could be exploited to interrupt workflows or cause system downtime. In environments with strict availability requirements, such as healthcare, finance, or government, even temporary application failures can have significant operational consequences. Additionally, the need for user interaction to trigger the vulnerability means that phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious media files. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using Apple devices may face increased risk if users open untrusted media content. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, making timely patching essential.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Deploy the latest Apple OS updates immediately across all affected devices, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS, ensuring versions 26.1 or later (and 18.7.2 or later for older iOS/iPadOS) are installed. 2) Enforce strict policies restricting the opening or processing of media files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially in sensitive or critical environments. 3) Utilize endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking malicious media files or anomalous application crashes related to media processing. 4) Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited media files and implement phishing awareness training to reduce the likelihood of social engineering exploitation. 5) Monitor application logs and system stability metrics for signs of unexpected terminations or memory corruption events that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Where feasible, sandbox or isolate applications that handle media files to limit the impact of potential crashes. 7) For organizations with mobile device management (MDM), enforce update compliance and restrict installation of unapproved applications that might process media files unsafely. 8) Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving denial-of-service or application instability caused by malicious media files.