CVE-2025-43308
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an improper access control vulnerability in macOS where applications could bypass entitlement checks to access sensitive user data. It affects macOS Sonoma before version 14.8 and macOS Sequoia before version 15.7. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access or trick a user into running a malicious application.
💻 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 could access sensitive user data including personal files, credentials, or other protected information without proper authorization.
Likely Case
Malicious applications distributed through unofficial channels could access limited sensitive data, potentially leading to privacy violations or credential theft.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and user awareness, risk is limited to applications that bypass standard security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires creating or modifying an application to bypass entitlement checks. No public exploit code has been identified in the provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.8 or 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
Restrict Application Sources
macOSConfigure macOS to only allow applications from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run on affected systems
- Educate users about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Sonoma < 14.8 or Sequoia < 15.7, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify macOS version shows Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application entitlements in Console logs
- Applications accessing protected resources without proper entitlements
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - this is a local privilege/access control issue
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="entitlement_violation" OR process_access="unauthorized")