CVE-2025-46292 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms that allows an application to bypass entitlement checks and access user-sensitive data without proper authorization. Entitlements in Apple’s operating systems are security mechanisms that restrict app capabilities and access to system resources or user data. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of these entitlements, enabling a malicious or compromised app to escalate privileges and access data it should not have permission to view. The affected versions are unspecified but include all versions prior to the patched releases iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, iOS 18.7.3, and iPadOS 18.7.3. Apple resolved the issue by introducing additional entitlement checks that enforce stricter access controls. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk because it can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information such as personal identifiers, credentials, or other private user data stored or accessible on the device. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond installing or running a malicious app, which increases the risk of exploitation. This flaw impacts the confidentiality of data primarily, with potential secondary impacts on integrity if sensitive data is modified. The scope includes all affected iOS and iPadOS devices running vulnerable versions, which are widely deployed globally, including in Europe. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment based on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential consequences.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data on iOS and iPadOS devices, potentially compromising personal information, corporate credentials, or confidential communications. This risk is particularly acute for sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Exploitation could result in data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), reputational damage, and financial losses. The vulnerability’s ability to be exploited by a malicious app without user interaction increases the threat level, especially in environments where app vetting or device management is less stringent. Organizations relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for business operations or BYOD policies are at heightened risk. The widespread use of iOS and iPadOS in Europe means the potential impact is broad, affecting both individual users and enterprise environments. Additionally, attackers could leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks or lateral movement within corporate networks.

The primary mitigation is to promptly update all iOS and iPadOS devices to the patched versions: iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, iOS 18.7.3, and iPadOS 18.7.3. Organizations should enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to control app installations and permissions, ensuring only trusted apps with verified entitlements are allowed. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and their entitlements to detect anomalies. Employ app vetting processes to prevent deployment of potentially malicious apps. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and encourage adherence to corporate security policies. Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Consider implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions tailored for mobile devices to detect and respond to suspicious behavior. Finally, maintain an incident response plan that includes mobile device compromise scenarios.