CVE-2025-43454 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that causes affected devices to persistently fail to lock. This failure is due to improper state management within the device’s lock mechanism, which prevents the device from entering a locked state as expected. When a device fails to lock, it remains accessible without requiring authentication, exposing sensitive data and functionality to anyone with physical access. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to iOS and iPadOS 26.1, where Apple implemented a fix by improving the state management logic. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk because it undermines the fundamental security feature of device locking. The issue does not require user interaction to be exploited but does require physical access to the device, making it a physical security risk rather than a remote attack vector. The failure to lock compromises confidentiality and integrity by allowing unauthorized users to access personal and corporate data stored on the device. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for remote work, as lost or stolen devices could lead to data breaches. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors, which indicates a high severity due to the direct compromise of device security controls and potential data exposure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43454 is primarily related to the increased risk of unauthorized physical access to sensitive corporate data on iOS and iPadOS devices. Organizations with mobile workforces or those issuing Apple devices to employees for remote access could face data confidentiality breaches if devices are lost or stolen and fail to lock properly. This vulnerability undermines endpoint security controls, potentially allowing attackers or unauthorized individuals to bypass authentication mechanisms. The persistent failure to lock could also facilitate further attacks, such as installing malware or extracting credentials. This risk is heightened in sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, where data leakage could lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR and damage to reputation. Additionally, organizations may incur operational disruptions if devices need to be taken out of service for remediation or replacement. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability is publicly known.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43454, European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to iOS and iPadOS version 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Device management policies should enforce automatic updates or mandate manual updates within a strict timeline. Organizations should also reinforce physical security controls, including secure storage of devices when not in use and use of device tracking and remote wipe capabilities via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for device access and corporate applications can reduce the impact of unauthorized access if the device lock fails. Regular audits of device compliance and security posture should be conducted to ensure updates are applied promptly. Employee training on the importance of device security and reporting lost or stolen devices immediately is critical. For highly sensitive environments, consider additional endpoint protection solutions that monitor device state and lock status. Finally, organizations should monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploits related to this vulnerability to respond swiftly.