CVE-2025-43245
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a code-signing downgrade vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data. The vulnerability affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific patch versions. Users running unpatched macOS systems are at risk of data exposure.
💻 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 gains full access to sensitive user data including passwords, encryption keys, personal documents, and system files without user consent.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate apps bypass code-signing checks to access protected data stores like Keychain, iCloud data, or sandboxed application data.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and Gatekeeper enabled, apps are properly validated and restricted from accessing protected data areas.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to execute malicious application. No public exploit code available at this time based on provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Click 'Update Now' if security updates are available. 3. Follow prompts to download and install. 4. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Enable Gatekeeper Strict Mode
macOSEnforces stricter code-signing validation for all applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Restrict App Installation Sources
macOSOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --status
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable automatic app execution and require manual approval for all new applications
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run on the system
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura 13.0-13.7.6, Sonoma 14.0-14.7.6, or Sequoia 15.0-15.5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.7, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Sequoia 15.6 or later. Check Gatekeeper status with 'spctl --status' command.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to protected data stores in system.log
- Applications bypassing code-signing checks in securityd logs
- Unexpected application launches with elevated data access
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious applications from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from newly installed applications to unknown destinations
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="code_signature" OR event="sandbox_violation") AND result="bypassed"