CVE-2025-43382
📋 TL;DR
A path validation vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass directory restrictions and access sensitive user data. This affects macOS Sequoia before 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe before 26.1, and macOS Sonoma before 14.8.2. Users running these vulnerable macOS versions 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
Malicious applications could access sensitive files including passwords, encryption keys, personal documents, and system configuration files, leading to data theft or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate applications could access user data in restricted directories, potentially stealing credentials or personal information.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact is limited to data accessible by the compromised application's permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target system. No remote exploitation without user interaction.
🛠️ 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
allUse macOS privacy controls to restrict application access to sensitive directories
Limit Third-Party Applications
allOnly install applications from trusted sources and the Mac App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
- Use full disk encryption and strong user account controls to limit potential data exposure
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Sequoia <15.7.2, Tahoe <26.1, or Sonoma <14.8.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, or Sonoma 14.8.2 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Applications accessing directories outside their sandbox
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators for this local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macos" (event_type="file_access" AND process_path NOT IN allowed_apps) AND target_path CONTAINS sensitive_directories