CVE-2025-43320
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass launch constraint protections and execute code with elevated privileges. It affects macOS systems running vulnerable versions, potentially enabling attackers to gain higher-level access than intended.
💻 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
An attacker could gain root privileges on the system, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, or compromise the entire system.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass security restrictions to perform unauthorized actions with elevated privileges, potentially leading to data theft or system compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and application control policies, the risk is significantly reduced to minimal impact.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed or executed on the target system.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26 or macOS Sequoia 15.7.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125110
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
Application Control
allRestrict application installation to App Store only and use MDM policies to control application execution.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized application execution
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > AboutCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Tahoe 26 or Sequoia 15.7.3 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application launch events, privilege escalation attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
SIEM Query:
Process creation events with unexpected parent-child relationships or privilege changes