CVE-2025-43507 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and other related operating systems including watchOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The core issue involves an application’s ability to fingerprint users by accessing sensitive data that was previously insufficiently protected. Fingerprinting in this context means that an app can collect unique or semi-unique data points that allow it to identify or track a user across sessions or applications, potentially violating user privacy. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through relocating sensitive data to more secure locations within the OS, thereby restricting unauthorized access. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5 reflects that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), but only impacts confidentiality and integrity to a limited extent (C:L/I:L/A:N). The CWE-276 classification indicates improper access control or permissions management as the root cause. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation currently. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to the patched releases: watchOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, and visionOS 26.1. This vulnerability primarily threatens user privacy by enabling apps to gather identifying information without explicit consent or awareness, which could be leveraged for tracking or profiling users.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43507 is the potential compromise of user privacy and confidentiality. Organizations that handle sensitive personal data, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies, may face increased risks of unauthorized user tracking or profiling if vulnerable Apple devices are used within their environments. This could lead to violations of GDPR and other privacy regulations, resulting in legal and reputational consequences. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the ability to fingerprint users undermines trust in device security and privacy protections. Remote exploitation without user interaction or privileges increases the risk surface, especially in environments where third-party apps are installed without strict vetting. The lack of known active exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future abuse. Organizations relying heavily on Apple ecosystems for endpoint devices or mobile workforces should consider this vulnerability a moderate privacy threat requiring timely remediation.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Expedite deployment of Apple’s security updates including watchOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, and visionOS 26.1 to all managed devices to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2) Enforce strict app installation policies, limiting apps to those from trusted sources and performing regular audits of installed applications to detect suspicious or unnecessary apps that could exploit fingerprinting. 3) Utilize Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app permissions, especially those requesting access to sensitive data that could be used for fingerprinting. 4) Educate users about privacy risks and encourage reporting of unusual app behavior. 5) Implement network-level monitoring to detect anomalous outbound traffic patterns that may indicate fingerprinting or data exfiltration attempts. 6) Review and update privacy policies and compliance documentation to reflect mitigation of this vulnerability and demonstrate due diligence under GDPR. 7) Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories to stay informed about any emerging exploit techniques or additional patches.