CVE-2025-43205 is a security vulnerability affecting Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS operating systems. This vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds access issue that could potentially allow a malicious application to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), a critical security mechanism.
Technical Details
The core of the vulnerability lies in an out-of-bounds access issue. This means an application could potentially read or write memory outside of its allocated boundaries. The specific cause is not detailed in the provided description, but Apple states that the vulnerability was addressed through improved bounds checking. This implies that a previous lack of sufficient bounds checking allowed for unauthorized memory access.
ASLR is a security technique used to randomize the memory addresses used by a program. Bypassing ASLR makes it easier for attackers to predict the location of critical code and data, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score and severity level for CVE-2025-43205 are not available (N/A). While the details are scarce, the potential for ASLR bypass generally implies a moderately severe vulnerability. A more detailed analysis will be possible once a CVSS score is published, which will provide a standardized way to assess the impact of this vulnerability. The CVSS score will depend on factors such as the attack vector, attack complexity, privileges required, user interaction required, scope, confidentiality impact, integrity impact, and availability impact.
Possible Impact
The primary impact of successfully exploiting CVE-2025-43205 is the potential for an application to bypass ASLR. This significantly lowers the bar for attackers aiming to achieve arbitrary code execution. Bypassing ASLR makes other exploits (like buffer overflows) much easier to implement and weaponize, ultimately giving an attacker greater control over the compromised device. This can lead to data theft, malware installation, or complete device takeover.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
The vulnerability has been addressed by Apple in the following operating system versions:
- watchOS 11.4
- tvOS 18.4
- visionOS 2.4
- iOS 18.4
- iPadOS 18.4
Users are strongly advised to update their devices to the latest available versions of these operating systems as soon as possible. Applying these updates will patch the out-of-bounds access issue and prevent potential ASLR bypass attacks.
There are no known workarounds beyond updating to the patched operating systems.