Apple Patches CVE-2025-43300 Zero-Day in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS

VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

Apple has addressed a critical zero-day flaw tracked as CVE-2025-43300, affecting iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The vulnerability resides in the ImageIO framework, where processing a maliciously crafted image could trigger an out-of-bounds write, resulting in memory corruption and potential code execution.

According to Apple’s advisory, the issue has already been exploited in highly targeted attacks. The company discovered the flaw internally and patched it with improved bounds checking.

RISK BREAKDOWN

• Risk Level: HIGH
• Exploitation Complexity: Low–Medium
• Current Exploitation: Active in the wild against specific individuals

AFFECTED SYSTEMS & PATCHED VERSIONS

• iOS 18.6.2 / iPadOS 18.6.2 – iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro (13-inch, 12.9-inch 3rd gen+), iPad Pro 11-inch 1st gen+, iPad Air 3rd gen+, iPad 7th gen+, iPad mini 5th gen+
• iPadOS 17.7.10 – iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad 6th gen
• macOS Ventura 13.7.8
• macOS Sonoma 14.7.8
• macOS Sequoia 15.6.1

ATTACK SCENARIO

1. Attacker sends or embeds a maliciously crafted image file.
2. When processed by a vulnerable device (e.g., through email, browser, or chat), the flaw triggers an out-of-bounds memory write.
3. Successful exploitation can result in memory corruption and allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access.

IMPACT

• Remote code execution through malicious images.
• Potential spyware deployment in targeted surveillance operations.
• Full device compromise in high-value attacks.

This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because exploitation requires no user interaction beyond viewing a crafted image.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Update Immediately: Apply the latest iOS, iPadOS, and macOS patches released on August 21, 2025.
• Limit Exposure: Avoid opening untrusted image files or clicking unknown links until updates are applied.
• Monitor for IOCs: Security teams should review system logs for unusual memory corruption crashes or exploit activity.

CONCLUSION

Zero-days like CVE-2025-43300 highlight how fast threat actors weaponize flaws for highly targeted attacks. Apple’s quick response mitigates this issue, but organizations must remain vigilant with proactive patch management, threat monitoring, and security testing.

Agilehunt’s expertise ensures businesses stay protected against both known and unknown vulnerabilities.

REFERENCES

• Apple Security Updates – August 2025
• OWASP – Memory Corruption

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