CVE-2025-43374 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2025
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5. An attacker in physical proximity may be able to cause an out-of-bounds read in kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that exists within Apple's kernel memory management systems, specifically affecting multiple operating system versions across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS platforms. The flaw occurs when the kernel processes certain memory operations without adequate bounds checking, allowing malicious code to potentially access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they operate at the kernel level where privileged operations occur, making them attractive targets for sophisticated attackers seeking to escalate privileges or extract sensitive system information. The issue was addressed through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms that validate memory access operations before execution, preventing unauthorized access to kernel memory regions that should remain protected from user-space applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within kernel memory management functions that handle data structures and memory allocation operations. When legitimate system processes or malicious code attempts to access kernel memory through specific API calls or memory operations, the absence of proper bounds checking allows for memory access beyond allocated buffers or data structures. This condition creates a potential attack surface where an adversary could manipulate memory access patterns to trigger the out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to information disclosure or system instability. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in memory operations, and represents a fundamental security weakness in kernel memory management that violates basic security principles of input validation and memory protection.
From an operational perspective, the attack vector requiring physical proximity significantly limits the threat surface compared to remotely exploitable vulnerabilities, yet it remains concerning due to the privileged nature of kernel memory access. An attacker positioned physically near a target device could potentially leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive kernel data, potentially including cryptographic keys, memory addresses, or other confidential information that could be used to further compromise the system. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the ability to read kernel memory could enable attackers to discover system internals, bypass security mechanisms, or establish persistent access to the device. This vulnerability type falls under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1552, 'Unsecured Credentials', as it could potentially expose sensitive system information that could be exploited for credential theft or system compromise.
The mitigation strategy involves implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms that validate all memory access operations within kernel space, ensuring that memory addresses remain within allocated boundaries before execution. System updates addressing this vulnerability include patches for iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3, macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, and corresponding iPadOS 17.7.7 releases, demonstrating Apple's proactive approach to addressing kernel-level security issues. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected devices, particularly those in high-security environments or handling sensitive information. The fix represents a defensive programming approach that aligns with security best practices outlined in the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards, specifically addressing memory safety issues that could lead to privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. Regular security assessments and monitoring of kernel memory access patterns should complement these patches to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities that may arise from inadequate bounds checking in system-level operations.