CVE-2025-43529: Apple WebKit use-after-free in multiple products

CVE-2025-43529 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2025-12-17

A critical vulnerability exists in WebKit, the engine that powers the Safari web browser and displays web content across Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. By tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted website, an attacker could take control of the device or run unauthorized programs. This flaw has been used in highly targeted attacks against specific individuals, making immediate updates essential to protect sensitive data and device integrity.

Technologies: Apple iPadOS, Apple macOS, Apple Multiple Products, Apple Safari, Apple Tvos, Apple Visionos, Apple watchOS. Vendors: Apple.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2025-43529 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2025-43529 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 15 December 2025. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2025-43529?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 17 December 2025.
Which products and versions are affected?
Apple iPadOS < 18.7.3, 26.0 - 26.2; Apple macOS < 26.2; Apple Safari < 26.2; Apple Tvos < 26.2; and 2 more.
Is there a fix for CVE-2025-43529?
A patch was published on 2025-12-15: Fixed in Safari 26.2 and various OS updates Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2025-43529 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2025-43529?
Check whether you run Apple iPadOS, Apple macOS, Apple Multiple Products or one of the others listed at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Technical details

A use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability exists in the WebKit component of multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw is triggered during the processing of maliciously crafted web content, specifically within HTML parsing routines. An unauthenticated remote attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution (ACE) if a user visits a malicious webpage. Apple addressed the issue by improving memory management. This vulnerability is notable for its confirmed exploitation in the wild against targeted individuals. Patches are available in Safari 26.2, iOS/iPadOS 18.7.3, and various version 26.2 releases for macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.

Affected products

  • Apple Safari < 26.2
  • Apple iOS < 18.7.3, 26.0 - 26.2
  • Apple iPadOS < 18.7.3, 26.0 - 26.2
  • Apple macOS < 26.2
  • Apple tvOS < 26.2
  • Apple visionOS < 26.2
  • Apple watchOS < 26.2

Timeline

  • 2025-12-15: disclosed
  • 2025-12-15: kev added: Added to CISA KEV catalog
  • 2025-12-15: patched: Fixed in Safari 26.2 and various OS updates
  • 2025-12-15: exploited: Reported as exploited in targeted attacks

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