CVE-2025-46316 is a security vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and related platforms, including iOS and iPadOS, specifically when processing Pages documents. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read caused by inadequate input validation when parsing a maliciously crafted Pages file. This flaw can lead to unexpected termination of the Pages application or disclosure of process memory contents, potentially leaking sensitive information. Apple has addressed this issue in updates released as iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, Pages 15.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication but does require user interaction to open a malicious document. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the nature of the vulnerability suggests that attackers could craft malicious documents to extract memory data or cause denial of service by crashing the application. The lack of a CVSS score indicates this is a relatively recent disclosure, but the impact on confidentiality and availability is significant. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the patched releases, though exact affected versions are unspecified. The issue is rooted in Apple’s document processing code, highlighting the risks of complex file parsing in office productivity software.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive data leakage through process memory disclosure, which could include confidential business information, credentials, or other sensitive data processed by the Pages application. Unexpected termination of the application could disrupt workflows, causing denial of service conditions for users relying on Pages for document editing. Sectors such as government, finance, legal, and healthcare, which often use Apple devices and handle sensitive documents, are particularly vulnerable. The risk is heightened in environments where users frequently exchange documents or receive files from external sources, increasing the chance of encountering maliciously crafted Pages files. Although no known exploits exist yet, the potential for targeted attacks or phishing campaigns distributing malicious documents is a concern. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack to gain further access or exfiltrate data. The impact is amplified by the widespread use of Apple devices in European enterprises and public sector organizations.

Organizations should immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple: iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, Pages 15.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. Until patches are applied, users should be advised to avoid opening Pages documents from untrusted or unknown sources. Implement email filtering and sandboxing solutions to detect and block malicious document attachments. Employ endpoint protection tools capable of monitoring abnormal application behavior or memory access patterns. Conduct user awareness training emphasizing the risks of opening unsolicited documents and recognizing phishing attempts. Consider disabling automatic document preview features in email clients to reduce exposure. For highly sensitive environments, restrict the use of Pages documents or enforce strict document handling policies. Monitor security advisories for any emerging exploit reports and be prepared to apply additional mitigations if necessary.