CVE-2025-43220
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass symlink validation and access protected user data on Apple devices. It affects users running vulnerable versions of iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma, and macOS Ventura. The high CVSS score indicates critical severity requiring immediate attention.
💻 Affected Systems
- iPadOS
- macOS Sequoia
- macOS Sonoma
- macOS Ventura
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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
Complete compromise of protected user data including sensitive files, credentials, and personal information by malicious applications.
Likely Case
Malicious apps accessing user documents, photos, or other protected data without proper authorization.
If Mitigated
Limited data exposure if applications are properly sandboxed and minimal sensitive data is stored on affected devices.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed on the target device. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iPadOS 17.7.9, macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124148
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iPadOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install the available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allLimit installation of applications to only trusted sources from the App Store
Sandbox Enforcement
allEnsure applications run with appropriate sandboxing and permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict application installation to only verified App Store applications
- Implement strict application allowlisting and monitor for unauthorized app installations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version in System Settings > General > About (macOS) or Settings > General > About (iPadOS)Check Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or Settings > General > About > Software Version (iPadOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions: iPadOS 17.7.9+, macOS Sequoia 15.6+, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7+, macOS Ventura 13.7.7+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Symlink creation or traversal in application logs
- Unauthorized access to protected directories
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="file_access" OR event="symlink") AND user_data CONTAINS "protected"🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124148
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124150
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124151
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/31
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/32
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/33
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/34
