CVE-2025-43250
📋 TL;DR
A path validation vulnerability in macOS allows applications to escape their sandbox restrictions. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia versions before the patched releases. The issue could allow malicious apps to access files or resources outside their intended sandbox.
💻 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
A malicious app could access sensitive user data, system files, or other applications' data by escaping sandbox restrictions, potentially leading to data theft or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Limited data access by malicious apps that successfully exploit the vulnerability, potentially compromising user privacy or application data.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if proper app vetting and security controls are in place, with apps still largely contained within their sandboxes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target system. No public proof-of-concept has been identified in the 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. 2. Click General. 3. Click Software Update. 4. Install available updates. 5. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or identified developers to reduce risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which apps can run on affected systems
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for sandbox escape attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Ventura 13.7.7, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Ventura 13.7.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Sandbox violation logs in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that should be sandboxed
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="sandbox_violation" OR process_access="unexpected_path")