CVE-2025-43373
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in macOS kernel that could allow a malicious application to cause system crashes or corrupt kernel memory. It affects macOS Sequoia, Tahoe, and Sonoma operating systems before specific patch versions. Users running unpatched macOS versions are vulnerable.
💻 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
Kernel memory corruption leading to system compromise, potential privilege escalation, or persistent denial of service requiring hardware reset.
Likely Case
Application-induced system crashes (kernel panics) resulting in temporary denial of service and potential data loss from unsaved work.
If Mitigated
Isolated application crash without system impact if proper sandboxing and least privilege controls are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local application execution with user privileges. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ 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
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnforce strict application sandboxing policies to limit potential damage from malicious applications
Application Allowlisting
allImplement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to limit which applications can run
- Isolate vulnerable systems from critical network segments and monitor for abnormal system behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than patched versions listed above, 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:
- Kernel panic logs in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
- Unexpected system restarts in system.log
- Application crash reports with kernel involvement
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND ("kernel panic" OR "unexpected restart" OR "system terminated")