CVE-2025-43253
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary binaries on macOS devices. It affects macOS systems before specific security updates, potentially enabling attackers to run unauthorized code with system privileges. All users running vulnerable macOS versions 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 allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or use the device as part of a botnet.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could execute harmful binaries, potentially leading to data theft or system instability.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, risk is limited to isolated incidents that can be contained.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install/run a malicious app. The vulnerability is in input validation, making exploitation relatively straightforward once malicious app is present.
🛠️ 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
Restrict App Installation Sources
allConfigure macOS to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
allLimit which applications can access sensitive system areas
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which binaries can execute
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious binary execution
🔍 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:
- Unexpected binary execution in Unified Logs
- Process creation from untrusted applications
- Gatekeeper bypass attempts
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from newly executed binaries
- DNS requests for known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
process.name:* AND parent.process.name:untrusted_app* AND event.action:exec