CVE-2025-43285
📋 TL;DR
A permissions vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data. This affects macOS systems running versions prior to Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7, potentially exposing sensitive information to malicious or compromised 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious application gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data including personal files, credentials, or other protected information, leading to data theft or privacy violation.
Likely Case
Compromised legitimate applications or malware exploiting the vulnerability to access user data they shouldn't have permissions for, potentially exfiltrating sensitive information.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, impact is limited to potential data exposure from trusted applications with elevated permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires an application to be running on the target system. No public exploit code has been identified in the provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125111
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSLimit installation and execution of untrusted applications through macOS security settings
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Allow applications downloaded from: App Store and identified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to limit which applications can run on affected systems
- Use macOS privacy controls to restrict application access to sensitive data categories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to protected directories or data stores
- Security framework denials followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound data transfers from applications that shouldn't have access to sensitive data
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event_type="file_access" AND protected_path=*) OR (event_type="security_exception" AND outcome="success")