CVE-2025-43256
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an application to gain root privileges on affected macOS systems through improper state management. It affects macOS Sequoia before version 15.6 and macOS Sonoma before version 14.7.7. This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability that requires an attacker to have initial access to the system.
💻 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
An attacker with local access could execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially taking full control of the system, installing persistent malware, accessing all user data, and compromising other systems on the network.
Likely Case
Malicious applications or compromised user accounts could escalate privileges to root, allowing them to bypass security controls, install additional malware, or access sensitive system files.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing, least privilege principles, and endpoint protection, the impact is limited to the compromised user's context rather than full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and some level of user interaction or application execution. The CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management) suggests privilege escalation through state management issues.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.6, 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 application execution
macOSUse application allowlisting or macOS Gatekeeper to restrict execution of untrusted applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 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, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Sequoia 15.6 or later, or Sonoma 14.7.7 or later. Check that no unexpected processes are running with root privileges.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation in system logs
- Processes gaining root privileges unexpectedly
- Authorization events for root access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Lateral movement attempts from the affected system
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="sudo" OR user="root") AND NOT expected_process