CVE-2025-43247
📋 TL;DR
A macOS permissions vulnerability allows malicious applications with root privileges to modify system files. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific security updates. The issue could enable persistent system compromise or malware installation.
💻 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 compromise with persistent backdoors, credential theft, or ransomware deployment across the entire macOS environment.
Likely Case
Malicious applications gaining elevated persistence, installing additional malware, or bypassing security controls.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application vetting, privilege separation, and security monitoring are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires root privileges, which typically means an attacker must first gain elevated access through other means.
🛠️ 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 installation
allLimit installation to App Store or identified developers only
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Implement privilege separation
allUse standard user accounts for daily tasks, not admin accounts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting and monitoring
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious file modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than the patched versions listed, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version matches or exceeds patched versions: Ventura 13.7.7, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Sequoia 15.6.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected system file modifications in Unified Logging System
- Processes with root privileges modifying protected directories
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
SIEM Query:
process_name:root AND file_path:/System/* AND action:modify