CVE-2025-43520

Name: CVE-2025-43520
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2025-12-12T21:15:56.83+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 0.40%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2025-43520 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.5/10 on the CVSS scale. A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2, iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, visionOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 0.40% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2, iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, visionOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1. A malicious application may be able to cause unexpected system termination or write kernel memory.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.40%

31.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Apr 3, 2026.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-120

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apple	Ipados	< 18.7.2
Apple	Ipados	26.0
Apple	Iphone Os	< 18.7.2
Apple	Iphone Os	26.0
Apple	Macos	>= 14.0, < 14.8.2
Apple	Macos	>= 15.0, < 15.7.2
Apple	Macos	26.0
Apple	Tvos	< 26.1
Apple	Visionos	< 26.1
Apple	Watchos	< 26.1

References

https://support.apple.com/en-us/125632Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125633Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125634Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125635Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125636Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125637Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125638Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125639Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/darksword-ios-exploit-chain/Technical Description
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-43520US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Dec 12, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-43520?

How severe is CVE-2025-43520?

CVE-2025-43520 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.40% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2025-43520?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2025-43520?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST