CVE-2025-43495 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms that allows an application to monitor keystrokes without obtaining explicit user permission. The root cause is insufficient enforcement of permission checks related to input monitoring, categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). This flaw enables an app with limited privileges (PR:L - privileges required are low) to capture keystroke data, potentially exposing sensitive information such as passwords, personal messages, or other confidential input. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N), increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level, reflecting limited impact on integrity and no impact on availability but a clear confidentiality risk. Apple addressed this issue in iOS and iPadOS versions 18.7.2 and 26.1 by implementing improved permission checks to prevent unauthorized keystroke monitoring. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported to date. The vulnerability affects unspecified earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS, so all devices running versions prior to the fixes are potentially vulnerable. This issue is particularly concerning for environments where sensitive data entry occurs on Apple mobile devices, including corporate credentials and personal information.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data entered on iOS and iPadOS devices. Attackers exploiting this flaw could capture keystrokes to steal passwords, authentication tokens, or other private information, potentially leading to unauthorized access to corporate systems or personal accounts. This could result in data breaches, identity theft, and financial loss. The impact is heightened in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Since the vulnerability does not affect system availability or data integrity directly, the primary concern is unauthorized data disclosure. The ease of exploitation without user interaction and remote attack vector increases the threat surface. Organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for business operations or remote work are particularly vulnerable. Failure to patch promptly could lead to targeted attacks or espionage, especially in high-value European markets.

European organizations should immediately verify the iOS and iPadOS versions deployed across their mobile device fleets and prioritize upgrading to versions 18.7.2, 26.1, or later where the vulnerability is fixed. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce timely OS updates and restrict installation of untrusted or unnecessary applications. Review and tighten app permission policies to minimize apps’ access to input monitoring capabilities. Employ endpoint security solutions capable of detecting anomalous app behavior indicative of keystroke logging. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from unverified sources and encourage reporting of suspicious device behavior. For high-security environments, consider additional controls such as disabling or limiting keyboard input features or using virtual keyboards that reduce keylogging risks. Regularly audit device compliance and conduct penetration testing focused on mobile platforms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Maintain up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to monitor for emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability.