CVE-2025-43405
📋 TL;DR
A sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS allows malicious applications to bypass intended restrictions and access sensitive user data. This affects macOS Sequoia, Tahoe, and Sonoma versions before the listed security updates. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of data exposure.
💻 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 app gains full access to user's personal files, credentials, browsing history, and other sensitive data stored on the system.
Likely Case
Malicious app accesses specific user data like documents, photos, or browser data that should be protected by sandbox restrictions.
If Mitigated
App remains confined to its sandbox with no access to user data outside its designated permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to execute malicious application. Apple has not disclosed technical details to prevent exploitation.
🛠️ 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Click 'Update Now' if updates are available. 3. Follow prompts to download and install. 4. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or identified developers
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
Use Gatekeeper
allEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to verify app signatures
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Only install applications from the Mac App Store or verified developers
- Use application sandboxing tools like App Sandbox for custom applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than the patched versions listed, 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:
- Unusual sandbox violation logs in Console.app
- Applications accessing files outside their designated containers
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
macOS process accessing sensitive user directories without proper entitlements