CVE-2025-43500 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple’s visionOS, as well as watchOS, iOS, and iPadOS prior to version 26.1. The root cause lies in insufficient handling of user preferences, which allows a malicious or compromised app to access sensitive user data that should otherwise be protected. This could include personal information, usage data, or other confidential details stored or processed by the operating system. Apple addressed this issue by improving the management of user preferences in the 26.1 updates across the affected platforms. The vulnerability does not have a CVSS score assigned yet, and no exploits have been observed in the wild, indicating it may be a recently discovered or responsibly disclosed issue. The affected product, visionOS, is Apple’s operating system for augmented reality and virtual reality devices, which are increasingly used in both consumer and enterprise contexts. The vulnerability’s exploitation vector involves installing a malicious app that leverages the flaw to bypass privacy controls. While the exact scope of accessible data is unspecified, the potential for unauthorized data access poses significant privacy risks. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access controls and preference handling in emerging AR/VR platforms, where sensitive user data is often processed. The patch released by Apple in version 26.1 should be applied promptly to mitigate the risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43500 could be substantial, especially for those deploying Apple visionOS devices in enterprise environments or relying heavily on Apple’s ecosystem. Unauthorized access to sensitive user data can lead to privacy breaches, regulatory non-compliance (notably with GDPR), and potential reputational damage. Organizations in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government, where sensitive information is handled, are particularly vulnerable. The exposure of user data could also facilitate targeted phishing or social engineering attacks, further compromising organizational security. Since visionOS is a relatively new platform, organizations adopting AR/VR technologies for collaboration, training, or customer engagement must be vigilant. The lack of known exploits suggests a window of opportunity for proactive patching before widespread attacks occur. Failure to update devices could result in data leakage and undermine trust in Apple’s platforms within European markets.

1. Immediate deployment of Apple’s 26.1 updates for visionOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS across all organizational devices to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Implement strict app vetting policies, especially for visionOS apps, to prevent installation of untrusted or malicious applications. 3. Enforce least privilege principles for app permissions, limiting access to user data wherever possible. 4. Monitor device and app behavior for unusual access patterns to sensitive data, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools compatible with Apple platforms. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and encourage reporting of suspicious app behavior. 6. Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories to stay informed about any emerging exploit techniques or additional patches. 7. For organizations developing visionOS apps, ensure secure coding practices around user preference handling and data access controls. 8. Consider network segmentation and data encryption to reduce the impact of any potential data exposure from compromised devices.