CVE-2025-43537

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Path Traversal in iOS Backup Restore Allows System File Modification

Publication date: 2026-02-11

Last updated on: 2026-04-02

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description

A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5, iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. Restoring a maliciously crafted backup file may lead to modification of protected system files.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-02-11

Last Modified

2026-04-02

Generated

2026-07-06

AI Q&A

2026-02-12

EPSS Evaluated

2026-07-05

NVD

CVE-2025-43537

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
apple	ipados	to 18.7.5 (exc)
apple	iphone_os	to 18.7.5 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-22	The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a path handling issue that was addressed by improving validation mechanisms. It occurs when restoring a maliciously crafted backup file, which may lead to the modification of protected system files.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to modify protected system files by restoring a specially crafted backup file. This could compromise the integrity and security of the affected iOS or iPadOS device.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

I don't know

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your devices to iOS 18.7.5 or iPadOS 18.7.5 where the issue is fixed.

Avoid restoring backups from untrusted or unknown sources, as maliciously crafted backup files may lead to modification of protected system files.

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