CVE-2025-46286 is a logic vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms that affects the security enforcement mechanism following Face ID enrollment. Specifically, when a user restores their device from a backup, the system may fail to require the passcode immediately after Face ID is set up, which is a deviation from the intended security model. Normally, after enrolling Face ID, iOS/iPadOS mandates that the user enter their passcode to ensure the biometric enrollment is legitimate and to prevent unauthorized access. Due to insufficient validation during the backup restoration process, this requirement can be bypassed temporarily, allowing an attacker with physical access to the device to circumvent the immediate passcode prompt. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, indicating medium severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and limited confidentiality impact (C:L). The flaw does not affect integrity or availability. Apple addressed this issue in iOS and iPadOS version 26.2 by improving validation logic during backup restoration. No public exploits have been reported, suggesting limited active exploitation. However, the vulnerability poses a risk in scenarios where devices are restored from backups, such as device replacement or recovery, potentially exposing sensitive data until the passcode is enforced. This is particularly relevant for enterprise environments where device security policies rely on biometric and passcode protections. Organizations using Apple devices should prioritize patching to maintain the integrity of their authentication mechanisms.

For European organizations, the vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of data on iOS and iPadOS devices. If an attacker gains physical access to a device recently restored from backup, they could bypass the immediate passcode requirement after Face ID enrollment, potentially accessing sensitive information before the passcode is enforced. This risk is heightened in sectors handling sensitive personal data, such as finance, healthcare, and government, where device security is critical for compliance with GDPR and other regulations. The vulnerability does not impact data integrity or system availability but could facilitate unauthorized data disclosure. The medium severity rating reflects that exploitation requires physical access and user interaction (restoring a backup), limiting remote exploitation risks. However, in environments with frequent device provisioning or replacement, the window of vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or attackers with temporary device access. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate risk, especially as attackers may develop techniques targeting this flaw. Organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for secure communications and data access should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk to endpoint security.

1. Immediately update all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26.2 or later to apply the patch that fixes this vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control backup and restore operations, ensuring only authorized personnel can perform device restorations. 3. Implement encryption and strong passcode policies to reduce the risk of unauthorized access during the vulnerable window. 4. Educate users and IT staff about the risks associated with restoring backups and the importance of applying updates promptly. 5. Monitor device provisioning and restoration logs for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Consider disabling automatic backup restoration in high-security environments or require additional authentication steps during device setup. 7. Regularly audit endpoint security configurations to ensure compliance with updated security policies. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the backup/restore process and user education specific to this vulnerability.