CVE-2025-43482
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an input validation vulnerability in macOS that allows an app to cause denial-of-service conditions. The issue affects macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma versions before the patched releases. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of application or system instability.
💻 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 could crash critical system services or cause kernel panics, leading to complete system unavailability requiring reboot.
Likely Case
Local app could cause targeted application crashes or temporary service disruptions without persistent damage.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and least privilege, impact limited to isolated app crashes without system-wide effects.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires app execution on target system. Apple has not disclosed technical details, suggesting limited public exploitation knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125886
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available macOS updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
macosLimit app installations to App Store only and enforce code signing requirements
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Enforce least privilege principles and app sandboxing for all user accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running Tahoe <26.2, Sequoia <15.7.3, or Sonoma <14.8.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows patched version after update and reboot.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panics in system.log
- Unexpected app crashes in Console.app
- Crash reports in ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system.log" AND ("panic" OR "kernel" OR "crash") AND NOT expected_process