CVE-2025-43379
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a symlink validation vulnerability in Apple operating systems that could allow malicious apps to bypass file system protections and access sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. Users running affected versions of these operating systems are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could access protected user data including personal files, authentication tokens, or sensitive application data, potentially leading to data theft or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in the App Store or sideloaded apps could access files they shouldn't have permission to read, compromising user privacy and potentially exposing sensitive information.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, the impact is limited to data accessible within the app's sandbox, though some protected data could still be exposed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. The app must be able to create symlinks and access file system operations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, visionOS 26.1
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125632
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update for your device. 4. Restart your device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from the official App Store and avoid sideloading untrusted applications to reduce attack surface.
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict file system permissions for installed applications through system settings.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies to control which apps can run on devices
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your device's operating system version in Settings > General > About > Software Version. Compare against the fixed versions listed in the CVE.Check Version:
On macOS: sw_vers. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Software VersionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify the software version matches or exceeds the patched versions: tvOS 26.1+, watchOS 26.1+, iOS/iPadOS 26.1+, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2+, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2+, visionOS 26.1+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Multiple symlink creation attempts by single process
- Access violations in system logs for protected directories
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - this is a local file system vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process_name:"*" AND file_path:"/private/var/*" AND action:"access" | stats count by process_name, file_path