CVE-2025-46279 is a privacy-related vulnerability discovered in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and other related operating systems including watchOS, macOS Tahoe, visionOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability stems from a permissions issue that allowed an app to identify other installed applications on the same device, effectively enabling app enumeration without explicit user consent. This can lead to privacy violations as knowledge of installed apps can reveal user interests, habits, or sensitive information indirectly. Apple addressed this issue by implementing additional restrictions on app permissions in the updated OS versions: watchOS 26.2, iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Tahoe 26.2, visionOS 26.2, and tvOS 26.2. The vulnerability does not appear to require user interaction or authentication, making it easier for a malicious app to exploit once installed. However, there are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The vulnerability does not directly compromise device integrity or availability but poses a significant privacy risk by exposing installed app information that could be used for profiling or targeted attacks. The affected versions are unspecified but presumably include all versions prior to the patched releases. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict app sandboxing and permission controls to protect user privacy on mobile and desktop platforms.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-46279 is on user privacy and compliance with data protection regulations such as the GDPR. The ability of a malicious app to enumerate installed applications can lead to profiling of users, potentially exposing sensitive business or personal information indirectly through app usage patterns. This could result in reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and regulatory penalties if personal data is inferred or mishandled. Organizations relying on Apple devices for employee use or customer-facing applications may face increased risk of targeted attacks or espionage attempts leveraging this vulnerability. While the vulnerability does not allow direct system compromise or data exfiltration, it can serve as an initial reconnaissance vector for more sophisticated attacks. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict privacy requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Additionally, the lack of known exploits suggests the threat is currently theoretical but could evolve if attackers develop practical methods to leverage this information.

1. Immediately update all Apple devices to the patched OS versions: watchOS 26.2, iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Tahoe 26.2, visionOS 26.2, and tvOS 26.2. 2. Enforce strict app installation policies, allowing only vetted and trusted applications through enterprise app stores or Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. 3. Monitor app permissions and audit installed applications regularly to detect unauthorized or suspicious apps that could exploit this vulnerability. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of applying OS updates promptly. 5. Implement network-level monitoring to detect unusual app behavior or data flows that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. For sensitive environments, consider restricting device usage to minimal necessary apps and disabling app installation where feasible. 7. Collaborate with Apple support and security teams for ongoing threat intelligence and patch management. 8. Review and update privacy policies and compliance documentation to reflect mitigation of this vulnerability.