CVE-2025-43227 Overview
CVE-2025-43227 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting Apple Safari and multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw stems from improper state management when processing maliciously crafted web content. A remote attacker who convinces a user to visit a crafted page can disclose sensitive user information from the browsing context. Apple resolved the issue through improved state management across affected platforms.
The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-359] Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor. The attack requires no privileges and no user interaction beyond loading attacker-controlled web content.
Critical Impact
Processing maliciously crafted web content may disclose sensitive user information across Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS devices.
Affected Products
- Apple Safari (prior to 18.6)
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (prior to 18.6)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.6), tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS (prior to 18.6 / 2.6 / 11.6)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-30 - CVE-2025-43227 published to NVD
- 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43227
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-43227 is an information disclosure issue rooted in improper state management within Apple's web content processing stack. When Safari and WebKit-based components on Apple platforms parse crafted web resources, internal state can transition in ways that expose data that should remain isolated from the rendering context. The result is unauthorized read access to sensitive user information without compromising integrity or availability.
The flaw is reachable over the network through ordinary web browsing. Because Apple ships a shared WebKit engine across its operating systems, the same defect propagates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Apple addressed the issue by tightening state management logic in the affected components.
Root Cause
The root cause is a state management defect in the WebKit-backed web content pipeline. Specific transitions during content processing leave protected data accessible to attacker-controlled code paths. Apple's advisories indicate the fix focuses on correcting these state transitions rather than adding new sandboxing layers.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a user to load attacker-controlled web content in Safari or another WebKit consumer on a vulnerable Apple device. No authentication or user interaction beyond navigation is required. The attacker hosts a crafted page or injects content into an existing site through advertising, compromised third-party scripts, or a man-in-the-middle position. Successful exploitation discloses sensitive information from the browsing session.
No public proof-of-concept code is referenced in the advisory data. Readers should consult the Apple Support Document #124149 and related advisories for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43227
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected outbound connections from Safari or WebKit-based processes (com.apple.WebKit.WebContent) to unfamiliar domains shortly after page loads.
- Browser telemetry indicating cross-origin reads or anomalous resource access patterns inconsistent with the visited site.
- Endpoint logs showing Safari versions below 18.6 or operating system builds below the fixed releases.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all Apple endpoints and compare installed versions against the patched baselines (Safari 18.6, iOS/iPadOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, tvOS 18.6, visionOS 2.6, watchOS 11.6).
- Monitor web proxy and DNS logs for connections to newly registered or low-reputation domains following Safari activity.
- Correlate browser process telemetry with identity events to identify suspicious data access following web navigation.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable centralized logging from macOS endpoints, capturing Safari and WebKit process events for retrospective analysis.
- Track patch compliance metrics for the Apple fleet and alert on devices remaining on pre-18.6 builds.
- Review Mobile Device Management (MDM) reports daily to confirm OS update enforcement policies are applied.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43227
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Safari to version 18.6 and Apple operating systems to the fixed builds: iOS/iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, tvOS 18.6, visionOS 2.6, and watchOS 11.6.
- Push updates through MDM to enforce installation across managed Apple endpoints.
- Audit users running unsupported macOS versions and plan migration to a supported release.
Patch Information
Apple released coordinated security updates addressing CVE-2025-43227. Refer to the official advisories: Apple Support Document #124147, Apple Support Document #124149, Apple Support Document #124152, Apple Support Document #124153, Apple Support Document #124154, and Apple Support Document #124155. A related Debian LTS Announcement covers downstream WebKit packages.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing to trusted sites until patches are deployed, using content filtering at the network egress.
- Disable JavaScript on untrusted origins in Safari settings where business workflows permit.
- Consider temporary use of an alternative, patched browser on macOS for high-risk users handling sensitive data.
# Verify Safari and macOS versions on managed endpoints
sw_vers -productVersion
defaults read /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionString
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
