CVE-2025-43348
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Gatekeeper bypass vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to circumvent security checks. The vulnerability affects macOS Sequoia, Tahoe, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. Users who download and run untrusted applications are at risk.
💻 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
An attacker could distribute a malicious application that bypasses Gatekeeper's security checks, potentially leading to malware installation, data theft, or system compromise without user warnings.
Likely Case
Users could inadvertently run malicious applications that appear legitimate, leading to malware infections or unauthorized system access.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and user awareness, the risk is significantly reduced as Gatekeeper would properly validate applications before execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to download and execute a malicious application. The logic issue in validation makes bypass possible.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125634
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
Enable Gatekeeper Strict Mode
allConfigure Gatekeeper to only allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
Disable Automatic Opening of Downloaded Files
allPrevent automatically opening files from unknown sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Only download applications from trusted sources like the App Store
- Educate users to be cautious when downloading and running applications from the internet
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than the patched versions listed, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version matches or exceeds: Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, or Sonoma 14.8.2📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Gatekeeper bypass attempts in system logs
- Unexpected application execution from untrusted sources
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious applications from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="Gatekeeper" OR event="quarantine") AND action="bypass"