CVE-2025-43536
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in Apple's web content processing allows attackers to cause unexpected process crashes by tricking users into visiting malicious websites. This affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Safari users running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability could potentially be leveraged for denial of service or as part of a larger attack chain.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- Safari
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Safari by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Potential remote code execution leading to full system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities, though this is unlikely given the CVSS score and description.
Likely Case
Denial of service through browser/application crashes when processing malicious web content.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper patching and security controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (visiting malicious website) and knowledge of memory management flaws.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.2, iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, Safari 26.2, iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125884
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install available updates. 4. For Safari, update through the App Store or system updates. 5. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Browser Restrictions
allRestrict browser usage to trusted websites only and implement web content filtering.
Application Sandboxing
allEnsure Safari and other web browsers run in sandboxed environments to limit impact.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict web content filtering and block access to untrusted websites
- Use alternative browsers with updated security patches if available
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS/browser version against vulnerable versions listed in affected_systems.versionsCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; Safari: Safari > About SafariVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm OS/browser version matches or exceeds patch_version listed in fix_official📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Safari/browser crashes
- Kernel panic logs related to memory management
- Web process termination logs
Network Indicators:
- Requests to known malicious domains serving exploit code
- Unusual web traffic patterns preceding crashes
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="crash" OR event="panic") AND process="Safari" OR process="WebProcess"