CVE-2025-43185
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a code-signing downgrade vulnerability in macOS that could allow malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data. The vulnerability affects macOS systems before Sequoia 15.6. Attackers could exploit this to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app gains full access to protected user data including keychain, contacts, photos, and other sensitive information without user consent.
Likely Case
Malicious app bypasses code-signing restrictions to access specific protected data categories it shouldn't have permission to access.
If Mitigated
App is blocked from accessing protected data due to proper code-signing enforcement and security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires creating or modifying an app to bypass code-signing checks. No public exploit code has been disclosed in the references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sequoia 15.6 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly allow app installations from App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Enable Gatekeeper
allEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to verify app signatures
sudo spctl --status
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to only permit trusted, signed applications
- Educate users about risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and implement strict software installation policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if version is earlier than 15.6, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.6 or later and check that Gatekeeper is enabled📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to protected data stores
- Apps bypassing code-signing checks in system logs
- Gatekeeper or code-signing violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND ("code-signing" OR "Gatekeeper") AND ("bypass" OR "violation" OR "unauthorized")