CVE-2025-43537 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2026
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5. Restoring a maliciously crafted backup file may lead to modification of protected system files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-43537 represents a critical path handling flaw that affects iOS and iPadOS operating systems. This issue stems from insufficient validation of file paths during backup restoration processes, creating a potential attack vector that could allow malicious actors to manipulate system integrity. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes backup files that contain crafted path references, enabling unauthorized modification of protected system components. The vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced validation mechanisms implemented in iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5, which properly sanitize and verify file paths before execution. This path handling weakness aligns with common software security patterns where inadequate input validation leads to privilege escalation or system compromise scenarios. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper path normalization and validation in preventing malicious path traversal attacks. Organizations should recognize that backup restoration processes often involve elevated privileges and require stringent security controls to prevent unauthorized system modifications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious backup files that contain specially formatted paths designed to bypass normal security checks. When a user restores such a backup, the system's insufficient path validation allows these crafted references to resolve to protected system locations, potentially enabling modification of critical system files. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks, which are commonly classified as CWE-22 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. The attack vector specifically targets the backup restoration functionality, which is a privileged operation that typically operates with elevated system permissions. This creates a significant risk profile since successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify system binaries, configuration files, or other protected resources that maintain system integrity and security policies. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and can potentially compromise the entire device's security posture.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-43537 extends beyond simple file modification capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain the ability to modify core system components, potentially installing malicious code or altering security configurations that would persist across system reboots. This vulnerability affects the fundamental backup and restore mechanisms that users rely on for data recovery and system management, creating a dangerous intersection between legitimate system functionality and security risk. The issue represents a significant concern for organizations that depend on backup restoration processes for system maintenance and recovery operations. Given that backup restoration often occurs during system updates or recovery scenarios when users may be less vigilant about security verification, this vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system integrity is paramount. The remediation through iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5 requires immediate deployment across affected systems to prevent exploitation. Security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious backup file activities and ensure that all backup restoration processes are properly validated before execution. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all input sources, particularly those that operate with elevated privileges.
Organizations should consider this vulnerability within the broader context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where it relates to privilege escalation techniques and system recovery process exploitation. The attack scenario aligns with techniques involving backup and restore operations as a means of persistence and privilege escalation. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive system updates and verification of backup integrity before restoration. Security controls should be implemented to validate backup file authenticity and prevent execution of untrusted backup data. This vulnerability highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date system images and implementing proper change management processes for backup restoration operations. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing security vulnerabilities through improved input validation and path handling mechanisms. Organizations should conduct risk assessments to determine their exposure and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations that must be applied to all system recovery mechanisms, particularly those that operate with elevated privileges and system-level access rights.