CVE-2025-43286
📋 TL;DR
A sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access system resources or other applications' data. This affects macOS systems running versions before Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7. The vulnerability stems from insufficient permission checks that enable privilege escalation.
💻 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
A malicious app could gain full system access, install persistent malware, steal sensitive data from other applications, or compromise the entire operating system.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks could use this to escape sandbox restrictions and access user data, keychain items, or other protected resources that should be isolated.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to unauthorized apps that manage to bypass initial installation checks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install and run a malicious application. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed as of the available 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: 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 applications to only those from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for sandbox escape attempts
🔍 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, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify the macOS version shows Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process spawning from sandboxed applications
- Access violations in sandbox logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that should be sandboxed
SIEM Query:
process where (parent_process_name contains "sandbox" OR process_name contains "sandbox") AND (event_type = "process_creation" OR event_type = "privilege_escalation")