CVE-2025-43265 Overview
CVE-2025-43265 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] affecting multiple Apple platforms including Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Apple addressed the flaw with improved input validation. Processing maliciously crafted web content can cause the application to read memory outside intended buffer boundaries, disclosing internal application state to an attacker.
The vulnerability received a local attack vector rating with limited confidentiality impact and no impact to integrity or availability. Apple released patches in Safari 18.6, iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, tvOS 18.6, visionOS 2.6, and watchOS 11.6.
Critical Impact
An attacker can craft web content that triggers memory disclosure within the browser or WebKit-based application, exposing internal state that may aid follow-on exploitation.
Affected Products
- Apple Safari (versions prior to 18.6)
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 18.6)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (versions prior to 15.6), tvOS (prior to 18.6), visionOS (prior to 2.6), watchOS (prior to 11.6)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-30 - CVE-2025-43265 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43265
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-43265 is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] in Apple's WebKit-related processing of web content. When the affected code path parses maliciously crafted input, it reads bytes beyond the intended buffer boundary. The disclosed memory can contain internal application state useful for reconnaissance or chained exploitation.
The issue is scoped to a single component boundary and does not directly allow code execution or data modification. Apple's fix introduces stricter input validation before the affected read operation, ensuring that offsets and sizes remain within allocated buffer ranges.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking on input-derived offsets or lengths used during web content processing. Without validation, the parser can dereference memory adjacent to the target buffer. Apple's advisory notes the fix as "improved input validation," consistent with adding bounds checks or size verification before the read.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires the victim to process attacker-controlled web content in an affected Apple application. A user visiting a malicious page or opening crafted content in a WebKit-backed view can trigger the read. The impact is limited to disclosure of in-process memory. No user interaction beyond loading content is described in Apple's advisory, and no public proof-of-concept exploit is available.
Refer to the Apple security advisories for component-level technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43265
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Safari or WebKit-based application crashes with signatures indicating out-of-bounds memory access
- Rendering or JavaScript errors correlated with visits to untrusted URLs
- Presence of unpatched Safari or Apple OS versions on managed endpoints
Detection Strategies
- Inventory managed Apple endpoints and flag devices running Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, or watchOS versions below the fixed releases
- Correlate WebKit crash reports (WebContent process crashes) with browsing telemetry to identify suspicious pages
- Monitor for repeated navigation to newly registered or low-reputation domains from vulnerable browser versions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest endpoint browser telemetry and OS version data into a centralized analytics pipeline for continuous version compliance checks
- Alert on Safari or WebKit renderer crashes clustered around specific URLs or content types
- Track patch deployment progress against Apple's fixed versions across the fleet
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43265
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Safari to 18.6 and update all Apple operating systems to the fixed releases: iOS 18.6, iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, tvOS 18.6, visionOS 2.6, watchOS 11.6
- Prioritize devices used for browsing untrusted content, including personal and BYOD Apple endpoints
- Verify patch installation through mobile device management (MDM) compliance reporting
Patch Information
Apple released patches on July 30, 2025 across all affected platforms. Consult Apple Support Documents 124147, 124149, 124152, 124153, 124154, and 124155 for platform-specific release notes and installation guidance. A related Debian LTS announcement addresses downstream WebKitGTK packaging.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing to trusted sites until patches are applied, particularly on shared or high-value devices
- Enforce MDM policies that block installation of applications embedding outdated WebKit views
- Consider deploying content filtering or DNS-based reputation controls to reduce exposure to malicious web content
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
