CVE-2025-43498
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an authorization vulnerability in Apple operating systems where improper state management could allow an application to access sensitive user data without proper permissions. The vulnerability affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS users running outdated versions. Attackers could potentially exploit this to bypass authorization controls and access protected information.
💻 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 app gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data including personal information, credentials, or private files stored on the device.
Likely Case
Malicious or compromised applications bypass authorization checks to access user data they shouldn't have permission to view.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and app sandboxing controls, the risk is limited to theoretical exploitation scenarios.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed on the target device. No public exploit code has been disclosed at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, 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. Install the available update for your operating system. 4. Restart your device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install applications from trusted sources like the App Store and avoid sideloading unknown applications.
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict application permissions in system settings to limit data access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications.
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious application behavior and data access patterns.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your operating system version against the affected versions listed in the CVE description.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version, visionOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that your operating system version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the CVE description.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to protected data stores
- Authorization failure logs followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration from applications that shouldn't have access to sensitive data
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event_type="authorization_failure" OR event_type="data_access") AND app_name NOT IN (trusted_apps_list)