CVE-2025-43498 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The root cause is an authorization issue caused by improper state management within the operating system's security framework. This flaw allows a malicious application to bypass intended access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved state management mechanisms, and patches were released in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1. The affected versions are unspecified but are presumed to be all versions prior to these updates. No public exploits have been reported so far, indicating that active exploitation is not currently observed. However, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that any app installed on a vulnerable system could potentially exploit this flaw to access confidential user information without proper authorization. This represents a significant risk to user privacy and data confidentiality. Because the vulnerability involves authorization bypass, it primarily impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data. The vulnerability does not require complex user interaction beyond app installation, making it relatively easy to exploit if a malicious app is installed. The lack of a CVSS score requires an assessment based on the potential impact and exploitability, which indicates a high severity rating. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple operating systems, which are widely used in enterprise and consumer environments, including European organizations. The patching of this vulnerability is critical to prevent unauthorized data access and potential data breaches.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user and corporate data stored or accessed on Apple devices. Organizations with employees using macOS, iOS, or iPadOS devices could face unauthorized data exposure if devices remain unpatched. This could lead to data breaches involving personal information, intellectual property, or other confidential data, potentially resulting in regulatory penalties under GDPR and reputational damage. The ease of exploitation by malicious apps increases the risk, especially in environments where app installation controls are lax or where users have elevated privileges. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks within corporate networks. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in sectors such as finance, technology, and government across Europe, the impact could be broad and severe if not mitigated promptly.

European organizations should immediately prioritize deploying the security updates released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 across all managed Apple devices. Implement strict application control policies to restrict installation of apps to those from trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved repositories. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce patch compliance and monitor device security posture. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and encourage reporting of suspicious app behavior. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and remove any unauthorized or suspicious software. Additionally, monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Consider implementing data loss prevention (DLP) tools to detect and block unauthorized data access or exfiltration. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored to address potential data breaches stemming from this vulnerability.