Apple iOS & macOS Update: Zero-Day Attack Exposed. Know how CVE-2025-43300 risks your equipment and learn the only way to be safe.
Apple runs to fix another zero-day.
Apple has once again released an urgent security update, which is significant. A dangerous zero-day defect, CVE-2025-43300-IOS, was found in iOS and macOS, and it is already being exploited in the wild. This vulnerability is not only theoretical; the attackers are actively using it in the real world in targeted attacks. Apple confirmed that “a highly sophisticated attack” targeted specific individuals, increasing the alarm in the cybersecurity community. So, what exactly happened? How dangerous is this bug? And most importantly, will you update your device immediately? (Spoiler: Yes, you do). Let’s break it all.
What is CVE-2025-43300?
The CVE-2025-43300 is a zero-day vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.8, which means that it is classified as a high severity. This defect lives inside the ImageIO framework of Apple—a core system that handles image processing on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The bug is a vulnerability to write out of bounds, which means that when your device tries to process the maliciously designed image, this memory can give rise to corruption. Plain English: Hackers can use a booby-trapped image file to execute your device, crash apps, or even run malicious code. This means that a text message, email, or opening an image on the website is something simple. If you are running an old version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, then you risk losing your data.
Who discovered the bug?
Interestingly, Apple found this vulnerability internally – not through an external researcher or bug bounty program. This is rare, as most zero-day comes thanks to cyber security researchers or third-party reports. Apple says that the issue is patched with a better limit check, which helps prevent memory from being inserted in an unprotected manner.
Which devices are affected?
Updates are rolling out on many Apple platforms. Here is a complete list of patched versions and supported equipment:
iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2
iPhone XS and later
iPad Pro 13 Inch
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (7th gen and later)
iPad Mini (5th gen and later)
iPadOS 17.7.10
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Second gen)
IPAD supporter 10.5 inch
iPad (6th gen)
macOS Ventura 13.7.8—Ventura is still running for Mac
Mcos Sonoma 14.7.8—For Mac on Sonoma
macOS Sequoia 15.6.1—SEQUOIA updated for MACS
If your device comes in any of these categories, then updating now should be your top priority.
Who is behind the attacks?
Here is the chilling part: Nobody knows who is being exploited—or whom they are targeting. Apple has not shared details about the victims, but these attacks are likely highly targeted, possibly by advanced threat actors or by state-sponsored groups.
These are not random hackers spamming malware. Instead, it looks like an accurate cyber-justice, where only some individuals are being targeted. This makes it even more important for regular users to patch quickly—before spreading extensive attacks.
Apple's zero-day problem in 2025
This is not the first time Apple has had to scramble to fix zero-day flaws this year. In fact, with CVE-2025–43300, Apple has now alone patched seven zero-days in 2025.
Here this year there is a quick recurrence of other zero-day Apple patches:
Cve-2025-24085
Cve-2025-24200
Cve-2025-24201
Cve-2025-31200
Cve-2025-31201
Cve-2025-43200
This is a worrying trend. Even though Apple devices are often praised for their strong safety, it proves that attackers are looking for more creative ways to bypass rescue.
Not just iOS—Safari and Chrome also targeted
It is not only facing the attacks facing iPhones and Macs. Last month, Apple also packed a safari vulnerability (CVE-2025-6558) in an open source component. Google reported that the same defect in Chrome was already being exploited as a zero-day, which means that both Apple and Google were at risk.
This shows how security threats are connected today. A single bug in a browser engine can affect several platforms, from iPhones to Android devices
Why does this update matter to you?
Even if you are not a high-profile target, it is important to update. Cybercriminals often take zero-day exploits used in targeted attacks and later arms them for comprehensive campaigns.
What starts as a detective tool for governments may soon affect regular people in ransomware, spyware, or mass phishing campaigns. By updating, you cut the path of the attacker before they reach you.
How to update your device
If you are not already updated, it is explained here how to do this:
On iPhone or iPad
Go to Settings> General> Software Update
Download and install
Restart your device after the update is over
On Mac
Apple menu > System Settings > General Go to Software Update
Install available updates
Restart your Mac
It usually takes only a few minutes, and it can protect you from potential data breaches
Apple's silent fight with hackers
Careful words from Apple’s own advisor—imagine “extremely sophisticated attacks,” but avoid details—how serious the situation is. Such zero-days are often associated with spyware vendors or nation-state attackers, large-scale resources, and groups with advanced hacking tools.
This patch can stop the CVE-2025-43300, but the cat-and-mouse game between Apple and hackers is over.
Conclusion
Apple’s emergency patch for CVE-2025-43300 is a reminder that no device is completely safe. Even Apple is under constant siege from hackers despite its reputation for airtight defense.
If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it is not optional to update right now—this is necessary.
Because in today’s world, sometimes all this happens, opening the wrong image for a hacker to achieve access to your digital life.
People also ask
This is a high-seriousness issue in Apple’s ImageIO structure that can cause memory corruption when processing malicious images.
This is a high-seriousness issue in Apple’s imageIO structure that can cause memory corruption when processing malicious images.
Very dangerous. This allows the attackers to exploit your device; it just tricks you into opening a malicious image.
Yes. Apple confirmed that the attackers already used this defect in targeted attacks against specific persons.
So far, Apple has exploited seven zero-days in Wilde this year, making CVE-2025-43300 the latest addition.