CVE-2025-43312
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to cause system crashes (kernel panics). This affects macOS systems running versions before Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7, potentially impacting all users of vulnerable macOS installations.
💻 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 app could trigger kernel panic leading to denial of service, data loss from unsaved work, and potential system instability requiring reboot.
Likely Case
Local application could crash the system, causing temporary denial of service and requiring reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact limited to denial of service from malicious apps that bypass security restrictions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local application execution. Buffer overflow (CWE-120) typically requires specific conditions to trigger and achieve reliable exploitation.
🛠️ 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: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Verify installation by checking macOS version in About This Mac.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Monitor for system crashes and investigate any unexpected kernel panics
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in About This Mac. If version is earlier than Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later in About This Mac.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
- Unexpected system reboots
- Application crash reports with memory violation errors
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - this is local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="macOS" AND (event_type="kernel_panic" OR message="panic" OR message="system reboot")