CVE-2025-43475 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms related to improper logging practices that failed to adequately redact sensitive user data. This flaw allows an application, potentially malicious or compromised, to access sensitive information that should have been protected by the operating system’s logging mechanisms. The root cause is insufficient data redaction in logs, which can inadvertently expose confidential user data to apps with logging access. Apple addressed this issue in the iOS and iPadOS 26.2 updates by enhancing the data redaction process to prevent sensitive information leakage. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to 26.2, and no public exploits have been reported to date. Since the vulnerability involves logging, it primarily impacts confidentiality, as sensitive data could be exposed to unauthorized apps without requiring user interaction or authentication. The vulnerability’s exploitation scope includes any app installed on affected devices that can access logs, making it a significant risk vector in environments where sensitive data is handled on mobile devices. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an independent severity assessment based on the potential impact and exploitation complexity.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43475 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data through compromised or malicious applications exploiting the logging flaw. This can lead to breaches of personal data, intellectual property, or confidential corporate information, undermining privacy and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. Sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, which rely heavily on Apple mobile devices, may face increased risks of data leakage and reputational damage. The vulnerability could facilitate espionage, insider threats, or data exfiltration without requiring user interaction, increasing the risk profile. Additionally, organizations may face legal and regulatory consequences if sensitive data is exposed due to unpatched devices. The absence of known exploits provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the widespread use of Apple devices in Europe means the potential attack surface is large. The vulnerability also stresses the importance of secure logging practices and app vetting in mobile device management strategies.

European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26.2 or later to apply the fix for this vulnerability. Device management policies should enforce timely patch deployment and restrict installation of untrusted or unnecessary applications that could exploit logging access. Organizations should audit and limit app permissions related to logging and data access, ensuring only trusted apps have such capabilities. Implement mobile threat defense solutions that monitor app behavior for suspicious access to logs or sensitive data. Regularly review and sanitize logs to prevent sensitive data retention. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and encourage reporting of unusual device behavior. For high-risk sectors, consider additional endpoint protection and data encryption to mitigate potential data leakage. Finally, maintain an inventory of Apple devices and their OS versions to ensure compliance with patching policies.