CVE-2025-43298
📋 TL;DR
A path parsing vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to bypass directory validation and gain root privileges. This affects macOS systems before Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7. Attackers could exploit this to execute arbitrary code with highest system privileges.
💻 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
Complete system compromise with root access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains root privileges to modify system files, install backdoors, or access protected data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, though root access remains possible if exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. No public exploit code identified in 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: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Enforce least privilege principles and limit user administrative access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running Sonoma earlier than 14.8 or Sequoia earlier than 15.7, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Sonoma 14.8 or later, or Sequoia 15.7 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Applications requesting root privileges unexpectedly
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from privileged processes
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="sudo" OR user="root")