CVE-2025-43291
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions bypass vulnerability in macOS that allows applications to modify protected areas of the file system. The vulnerability affects macOS systems prior to Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7, potentially enabling malicious apps to alter system files or sensitive data.
💻 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 application could modify critical system files, install persistent malware, or tamper with security configurations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could modify user data or install unwanted software, but would require user installation/execution first.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user awareness, the risk is limited to apps that users choose to install and run.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed 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
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 restrict which applications can run on systems
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious file system modifications
🔍 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:
Verify macOS version shows Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file modifications in protected directories (/System, /Library, /usr)
- Applications attempting to write to system-protected locations
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="file_modification" AND file_path IN ("/System/*", "/Library/*", "/usr/*"))