CVE-2025-43196
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path handling vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to gain root privileges through improper validation. It affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia versions before specific security updates. Any user running vulnerable macOS versions is potentially at risk.
💻 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 →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 →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
An attacker gains full root access to the system, enabling complete compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious applications or compromised legitimate apps escalate privileges to root, allowing them to bypass security controls and perform unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the application's sandbox even if exploitation occurs.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires an attacker to have application execution capability on the target system. The path handling nature suggests local exploitation vectors.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Sequoia 15.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict application execution
allLimit execution of untrusted applications through macOS security settings and Gatekeeper
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Enable full disk encryption and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.7, Sonoma <14.7.7, or Sequoia <15.6, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.7, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Sequoia 15.6 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Processes running with root privileges that shouldn't have them
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from root processes
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name != "loginwindow" and integrity_level == "System"