CVE-2025-43389
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privacy vulnerability in Apple operating systems where an application could access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The issue affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS users running outdated versions. Apple has addressed this by removing the vulnerable code in updated releases.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious applications could exfiltrate sensitive user data including personal information, credentials, or private files without user consent.
Likely Case
Applications with excessive permissions could inadvertently access data they shouldn't, potentially violating user privacy expectations.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and permission controls, the impact would be limited to data accessible within the app's designated sandbox.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2, 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 System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS/visionOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Permission Review
allReview and restrict application permissions to minimize data exposure
Limit Untrusted Applications
allAvoid installing applications from untrusted sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the operating system version against the affected versions listed in the CVE descriptionCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; visionOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the operating system version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application data access patterns
- Privacy permission violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected data exfiltration from applications
SIEM Query:
Search for privacy-related violation events or unusual application behavior in endpoint security logs