CVE-2025-43243
📋 TL;DR
A critical permissions bypass vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to modify protected file system areas. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific security updates. Any user running vulnerable macOS versions is at risk of system compromise.
💻 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
Complete system takeover with root privileges, installation of persistent malware, data destruction, and credential theft.
Likely Case
Malicious app gains elevated privileges to install additional payloads, modify system files, or access sensitive user data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper app sandboxing and security controls, but still significant risk to system integrity.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to run malicious application. The vulnerability is in file system permission enforcement.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Ventura 13.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available macOS updates. 3. Restart when prompted. 4. Verify update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
macOSOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers to reduce risk of malicious app execution.
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
macOSReview and restrict Full Disk Access permissions for applications to limit file system access.
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious file system modifications
🔍 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 13.7.7, 14.7.7, or 15.6 or higher in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized file system modifications in system logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious application execution with file system access
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from newly installed applications
- Unusual network traffic following app installation
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="file_modification" AND path="/System/*" OR path="/Library/*") AND user!="root"