CVE-2025-43206
📋 TL;DR
A path validation vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass directory restrictions and access protected user data. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific security updates. The issue stems from improper parsing of directory paths.
💻 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
Malicious app could access sensitive user data like documents, photos, or keychain items that should be protected by macOS sandboxing and permissions.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate apps could access restricted directories to steal user data or escalate privileges.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, impact is limited to apps that have already bypassed macOS Gatekeeper or user approval.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ 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 App Installation Sources
allConfigure macOS to only allow apps from App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which apps can run
- Use macOS Privacy Controls to restrict app access to sensitive directories
🔍 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 later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in Unified Logs
- Apps accessing protected directories like ~/Library/Keychains
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" event_type="file_access" path="*protected*" OR path="*Library*" action="read"