CVE-2025-43332
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a file quarantine bypass vulnerability in macOS that allows applications to escape their sandbox restrictions. It affects macOS systems before Sonoma 14.8 and Sequoia 15.7. The vulnerability could enable malicious apps to access restricted system resources.
💻 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
A malicious application could completely escape sandbox restrictions, access sensitive user data, modify system files, or install persistent malware.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks using specially crafted applications could access files outside their designated sandbox, potentially stealing documents or credentials.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and user caution, risk is limited to untrusted applications that users intentionally install and run.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to run malicious application. No public exploit code identified in 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: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart if prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Application Sources
macOSOnly allow applications from App Store and identified developers in Security & Privacy settings
Enable Gatekeeper
macOSEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to verify applications before running
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Only install applications from trusted sources and the App Store
- Use application allowlisting to restrict which applications can run
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. 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 System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application behavior in Console logs
- Applications accessing files outside expected sandbox paths
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event="sandbox_violation" OR process_access="*outside_sandbox*")