CVE-2025-43275
📋 TL;DR
A race condition vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to escape their sandbox restrictions. This affects macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia before specific security updates. Attackers could gain elevated privileges and access system resources normally protected by sandboxing.
💻 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
Complete system compromise with root privileges, data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user data, system files, and potentially installing malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application vetting and least privilege principles are enforced, though sandbox escape still represents significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed. The race condition nature makes exploitation timing-sensitive but feasible.
🛠️ 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 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications using Gatekeeper and parental controls
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 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 in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual sandbox violation logs in Console.app
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious application behavior patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from sandboxed applications
- Unusual process-to-process communication
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="sandbox_violation" OR process="*escalation*" OR user="root" from non-system process)