CVE-2025-43499
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious apps to bypass entitlement checks and access sensitive user data on Apple devices. It affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS systems running vulnerable versions. The issue was addressed through additional entitlement validation in Apple's security updates.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- 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 access sensitive user data including personal information, credentials, or private files without user consent.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in the App Store or sideloaded apps could access restricted data they shouldn't have permission to access.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, unauthorized data access would be prevented or limited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public exploit details are available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125633
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources and the official App Store
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions in device settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) to control app installation
- Use app whitelisting to only allow approved applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software VersionCheck Version:
On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. On iOS/iPadOS: Check in Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is equal to or newer than iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, or macOS Sonoma 14.8.2📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app behavior accessing protected resources
- Entitlement violation logs in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration from apps
SIEM Query:
Search for entitlement violation events or unauthorized resource access in Apple device logs