CVE-2025-43331
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS code-signing downgrade vulnerability that could allow malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access protected user data. It affects macOS systems before version 26 (Tahoe). The vulnerability requires user interaction to install or run 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could bypass code-signing protections and access sensitive user data like keychain items, protected files, or other restricted resources.
Likely Case
A malicious application could access some protected user data after being installed or run by the user, potentially leading to data theft or privacy violations.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls and user awareness, the risk is limited as it requires user interaction to install malicious software.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires creating or modifying an application to bypass code-signing checks. User interaction is needed to install/run the malicious app.
🛠️ 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. Go to General > Software Update 3. Install macOS Tahoe 26 update 4. No restart required for this specific update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
macOSConfigure macOS to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Enable Gatekeeper
macOSEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to verify app signatures
sudo spctl --status
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run
- Educate users about only installing applications from trusted sources and the App Store
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if version is earlier than 26, the system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 26 or later and check that Gatekeeper is enabled📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Look for applications bypassing Gatekeeper or code-signing checks in Unified Logs
- Monitor for unexpected application installations
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event="app_installation" OR event="gatekeeper_bypass") AND app_signature_status="invalid"