CVE-2025-43266
📋 TL;DR
A sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access system resources outside their designated permissions. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia versions before the patched releases. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk if they install untrusted applications.
💻 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 escape its sandbox, gain elevated privileges, access sensitive user data, install persistent malware, or compromise the entire system.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could access files and resources they shouldn't, potentially stealing personal data, credentials, or performing unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to potential data leakage from sandboxed apps.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install and run a malicious application. No public exploit code is available at this time.
🛠️ 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 updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allOnly install applications from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or verified developers.
Gatekeeper Enforcement
allEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to block apps from unidentified developers.
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to only permit trusted applications to run
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for sandbox escape attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.7, Sonoma <14.7.7, or Sequoia <15.6, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Ventura 13.7.7, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Sequoia 15.6 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process spawning from sandboxed applications
- File access violations in sandbox logs
- Console.app entries showing sandbox violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network connections from sandboxed applications
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name contains "sandbox" and process_name not in allowed_apps_list