CVE-2025-43248
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in macOS where a malicious application could exploit a logic flaw to gain root privileges. It affects macOS systems running versions before the patched releases. Users with unpatched macOS installations are at risk.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, access all user data, and control system functions.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains elevated privileges to perform unauthorized actions, potentially leading to data theft or further system exploitation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and user awareness preventing malicious app installation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. The logic flaw suggests technical sophistication is needed but details are limited in public disclosures.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.6 or macOS Sonoma 14.7.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of applications from unidentified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
Gatekeeper Enforcement
allEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to verify app signatures
sudo spctl --status
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
- Enforce least privilege principles and restrict user ability to install/run untrusted applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Sequoia 15.6 or Sonoma 14.7.7, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Sequoia 15.6 or Sonoma 14.7.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events in system logs
- Unexpected root process execution from user applications
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="sudo" OR user="root")