CVE-2025-43380
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in macOS file parsing that could allow an attacker to cause unexpected application termination. The vulnerability affects macOS systems running vulnerable versions when processing malicious files. Apple has addressed this issue in recent macOS updates.
💻 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
Potential arbitrary code execution leading to system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities, though the primary documented impact is application termination.
Likely Case
Denial of service through application crashes when processing specially crafted files.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper patching and file handling controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious file. No public exploit code identified 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
Restrict file processing
allLimit file processing to trusted sources and avoid opening files from untrusted origins
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can process files
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious file parsing behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, or Sonoma 14.8.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, or Sonoma 14.8.2 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crash logs related to file parsing
- Unexpected termination of applications that process files
Network Indicators:
- File downloads from untrusted sources followed by application crashes
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="crash" OR event="termination") AND process="*file*"