CVE-2025-43502 is a privacy-related vulnerability discovered in Apple Safari and associated operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The flaw allows an application to bypass certain privacy preferences set by the user, potentially exposing sensitive data that should be protected under these settings. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through the removal of sensitive data that could be improperly accessed. The fix was released in version 26.1 of Safari and the corresponding OS updates (iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, visionOS 26.1). Although the specific technical mechanism of the bypass is not detailed, the issue implies that apps could circumvent privacy controls, possibly accessing data such as browsing history, cookies, or other private information. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild, indicating the vulnerability is newly disclosed and not yet weaponized. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the fixed releases, and given the widespread use of Apple devices, the scope is significant. Exploitation likely requires the app to be installed on the device but does not appear to require user interaction beyond that. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with privacy preference enforcement in browsers and OS environments, especially in ecosystems with tightly integrated privacy controls like Apple’s.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43502 centers on potential breaches of user privacy and confidentiality. Organizations that use Apple devices for handling sensitive or personal data could see unauthorized access to information that users expect to be protected by privacy settings. This could result in data leakage, regulatory non-compliance (notably with GDPR), and reputational damage. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious apps to collect browsing data or other sensitive information without user consent, undermining trust in Apple platforms. Since Apple devices are prevalent in many European enterprises and among consumers, the attack surface is substantial. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation remains. The vulnerability does not appear to affect system integrity or availability directly but compromises confidentiality, which is critical for privacy compliance and data protection. The impact is heightened in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government where privacy is paramount.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, Safari 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 as soon as these updates are available. They should enforce strict app vetting policies to prevent installation of untrusted or suspicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to ensure devices are updated promptly and to restrict app installations to trusted sources only. Conduct audits of installed apps to identify any that may attempt to bypass privacy preferences. Educate users about the importance of installing updates and avoiding unverified apps. Additionally, monitor network traffic for unusual data exfiltration patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review privacy settings and logs on Apple devices to detect anomalies. Finally, maintain close communication with Apple security advisories for any further updates or exploit disclosures.