CVE-2025-43495 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms that enables a malicious application to monitor and capture user keystrokes without requiring explicit user permission. This flaw arises from insufficient permission validation mechanisms within the operating system, allowing apps to bypass standard user consent dialogs and silently record keyboard input. Such unauthorized keystroke monitoring can lead to the exposure of highly sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers, private messages, and other confidential data entered via the device’s keyboard. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of iOS and iPadOS prior to the release of version 26.1, where Apple addressed the issue by implementing enhanced permission checks to prevent unauthorized access. Although there are no known active exploits in the wild at the time of publication, the potential for abuse is significant given the widespread use of Apple mobile devices globally. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond app installation, and no authentication is needed for exploitation, increasing its risk profile. This flaw represents a serious privacy and security concern, especially for environments where sensitive data is handled on mobile devices. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment based on the impact and exploitability factors.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-43495 is the compromise of confidentiality through unauthorized keystroke logging. For European organizations, this can result in leakage of sensitive corporate credentials, intellectual property, and personal employee information. Such data breaches can facilitate further attacks like account takeovers, financial fraud, and espionage. The vulnerability undermines trust in mobile device security, potentially affecting compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations. Operationally, organizations may face increased incident response costs, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. The risk is amplified in sectors with high security requirements such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Since the exploit does not require user interaction beyond app installation, the attack surface is broad, especially if users install unvetted or malicious apps. The availability and integrity of systems are less directly impacted, but the breach of confidentiality alone justifies urgent remediation. European organizations relying heavily on Apple devices for mobile productivity are particularly vulnerable to this threat.

1. Immediately update all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. 2. Enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to control app installation and permissions, limiting apps to those vetted and approved by IT security teams. 3. Educate users on the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and encourage regular review of app permissions, especially keyboard and input monitoring capabilities. 4. Implement application whitelisting and use Apple’s enterprise app deployment features to reduce exposure to malicious apps. 5. Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual behavior indicative of keystroke logging or data exfiltration. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting suspicious app activities on iOS/iPadOS devices. 7. Regularly audit compliance with security policies and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving mobile device keystroke monitoring. 8. Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories to stay informed about any emerging exploits or additional patches.