CVE-2025-43535 is a vulnerability discovered in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms, specifically related to the processing of web content in Safari and potentially other system components that handle web rendering. The root cause is improper memory handling when processing maliciously crafted web content, which can lead to an unexpected process crash. This crash impacts the availability of the affected process, potentially causing denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on the device. The vulnerability does not allow for unauthorized access or modification of data, as it does not affect confidentiality or integrity. Exploitation requires no privileges and no authentication but does require user interaction, such as visiting a maliciously crafted web page. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting the limited impact scope and the need for user interaction. Apple addressed this vulnerability by improving memory handling in Safari 26.2 and corresponding OS updates (iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Tahoe 26.2, and visionOS 26.2). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, indicating that the threat is primarily theoretical or limited to proof-of-concept demonstrations at this time. However, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted denial-of-service attacks against users or organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile platforms and Safari browser for critical operations.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43535 is the potential for denial-of-service conditions on Apple mobile devices and tablets. This could disrupt business operations, especially in sectors where iOS and iPadOS devices are integral to workflows, such as finance, healthcare, and government services. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, repeated or targeted crashes could degrade user productivity and potentially cause service interruptions if critical applications rely on Safari or web content rendering. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those that deploy Apple devices extensively should be aware of the risk of process crashes triggered by malicious web content, which could be delivered via phishing or compromised websites. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the possibility of future weaponization. The impact is more pronounced in environments with high Apple device usage and where availability of mobile services is critical.

European organizations should prioritize updating affected Apple devices to the patched versions: Safari 26.2, iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Tahoe 26.2, and visionOS 26.2. Beyond patching, organizations should implement web content filtering and URL reputation services to block access to potentially malicious websites that could exploit this vulnerability. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of interacting with suspicious links or websites, reducing the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions can enforce update policies and restrict installation of untrusted applications or profiles. Network-level protections such as DNS filtering and secure web gateways can further reduce exposure. Monitoring device logs for unusual process crashes related to Safari or web rendering processes can help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain incident response plans that include procedures for handling denial-of-service conditions on mobile devices.