CVE-2025-43296
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Gatekeeper bypass vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to circumvent security checks. Attackers could potentially trick users into running untrusted software that appears legitimate. This affects macOS users who download and run applications from untrusted sources.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app executes with user privileges, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or full system compromise if combined with privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
Users inadvertently run malicious software disguised as legitimate applications, leading to malware infection or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper user awareness and security controls, impact is limited to isolated incidents that can be contained through endpoint detection and response.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to run a malicious application. The vulnerability involves logic flaws in Gatekeeper validation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125110
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Tahoe 26 update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Enable Gatekeeper Strict Mode
macOSConfigure Gatekeeper to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
Disable Automatic Opening of Downloaded Files
macOSPrevent Safari from automatically opening 'safe' files after download
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which applications can execute
- Educate users to only download applications from trusted sources and verify developer signatures
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Tahoe 26, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Tahoe 26 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Gatekeeper bypass attempts in system logs
- Execution of unsigned or improperly signed applications
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious application packages from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event="gatekeeper" OR process="spctl") AND result="bypass"