CVE-2025-43542: Apple macOS Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2025-43542 Overview

CVE-2025-43542 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, macOS Tahoe, and visionOS. The vulnerability stems from improper state management that can cause password fields to be unintentionally revealed when a device is being remotely controlled over FaceTime. This exposure of sensitive credential data poses significant risks to user privacy and security.

Critical Impact

Password fields may be inadvertently displayed to remote viewers during FaceTime screen sharing sessions, potentially exposing authentication credentials to unauthorized parties.

Affected Products

• Apple iOS 18.7.3 and earlier, iOS 26.2 and earlier
• Apple iPadOS 18.7.3 and earlier, iPadOS 26.2 and earlier
• Apple macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 and earlier, macOS Tahoe 26.2 and earlier
• Apple visionOS 26.2 and earlier

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-12-12 - CVE-2025-43542 published to NVD
• 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-43542

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents an information exposure flaw (CWE-200) in Apple's FaceTime remote control functionality. When users share their screen or allow remote control during a FaceTime call, the system fails to properly manage the state of password input fields. Under normal circumstances, password fields should remain masked (displaying dots or asterisks instead of actual characters) regardless of viewing context. However, due to the state management flaw, the password masking protection is not consistently enforced during remote viewing sessions.

The vulnerability is accessible over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction beyond the initial FaceTime session establishment. The primary impact is confidentiality compromise, as sensitive password data can be exposed to remote viewers who may or may not be trusted parties.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-43542 lies in improper state management within the FaceTime screen sharing and remote control subsystems. The password field masking state is not properly synchronized or preserved when screen content is transmitted to remote viewers. This suggests a disconnect between the local UI rendering state and the remote display state, where security-sensitive UI element properties (such as password masking) are not correctly propagated to the remote session context.

Attack Vector

Exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the following scenario:

1. A victim initiates a FaceTime call with another party
2. The victim enables screen sharing or remote control features
3. While the remote viewer has access, the victim navigates to any application or website requiring password entry
4. The password field contents are displayed in clear text to the remote viewer instead of being masked
5. The remote viewer observes the victim's password as it is typed

This attack requires social engineering or a trusted relationship context, as the victim must voluntarily share their screen. However, once screen sharing is active, no additional user interaction is required for the password exposure to occur. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors posing as tech support, trusted colleagues, or through compromised accounts of known contacts.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43542

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual FaceTime screen sharing sessions, especially initiated during authentication activities
• User reports of password fields appearing unmasked during remote sessions
• Evidence of credential reuse or unauthorized access following FaceTime sessions
• Anomalous login attempts from unknown locations after screen sharing sessions

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for FaceTime screen sharing activity on managed devices, particularly during work hours or when accessing sensitive systems
• Implement endpoint detection rules to correlate FaceTime remote control sessions with password entry activities
• Review authentication logs for suspicious login patterns following FaceTime usage

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for FaceTime and screen sharing activities on enterprise-managed Apple devices
• Deploy user behavior analytics to identify unusual authentication patterns post-screen sharing
• Implement MDM policies to alert administrators when screen sharing features are activated on sensitive devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43542

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all Apple devices to the latest patched versions: iOS 18.7.3/26.2, iPadOS 18.7.3/26.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Tahoe 26.2, and visionOS 26.2
• Advise users to avoid entering passwords while FaceTime screen sharing or remote control is active
• Review recent FaceTime screen sharing sessions and consider resetting any passwords that may have been exposed
• Implement enterprise policies restricting FaceTime screen sharing on devices handling sensitive data

Patch Information

Apple has addressed this vulnerability through improved state management in the affected operating systems. Security updates are available through the following advisories:

• Apple Security Advisory 125884
• Apple Security Advisory 125885
• Apple Security Advisory 125886
• Apple Security Advisory 125887
• Apple Security Advisory 125891

Organizations should prioritize deploying these updates through MDM solutions or direct user guidance.

Workarounds

• Disable FaceTime screen sharing and remote control features until patches can be applied
• Use alternative screen sharing solutions that do not exhibit this vulnerability
• Instruct users to pause or end screen sharing sessions before entering any credentials
• Implement password managers with auto-fill capabilities to minimize visible password entry
• Consider temporary restrictions on FaceTime usage for high-security environments