CVE-2025-43351
📋 TL;DR
A permissions vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass intended restrictions and access protected user data. This affects macOS Tahoe versions before 26.1. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of unauthorized data access by installed applications.
💻 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
Malicious applications could access sensitive user data including documents, photos, credentials, or other protected information without user consent.
Likely Case
Applications with legitimate functionality but insufficient sandboxing could inadvertently access data they shouldn't, potentially exposing personal information.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and macOS security controls, the risk is limited to applications that have already been granted some level of system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target system.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.1
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 macOS Tahoe 26.1 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSLimit installation to trusted applications from the App Store or identified developers only
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to only allow trusted, verified applications
- Use macOS privacy controls to restrict application access to sensitive data categories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is macOS Tahoe and build number is less than 26.1, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows 26.1 or higher in System Settings > General > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to protected directories or data stores
- Privacy permission denials or grants in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event_category="privacy" OR event_category="sandbox") AND (action="access" OR action="bypass")