CVE-2025-46276
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an information disclosure vulnerability in Apple operating systems where malicious applications could potentially access sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS. Users running affected versions are at risk of having their private data exposed to unauthorized applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- watchOS
- visionOS
📦 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 applications could access highly sensitive user data including personal information, authentication credentials, financial data, or private communications without user consent.
Likely Case
Applications with appropriate permissions could access more data than intended, potentially exposing user preferences, app-specific data, or system information that should be protected.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and privacy controls, the impact would be limited to non-critical data or prevented entirely through existing security mechanisms.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device. The complexity involves bypassing or exploiting privacy control mechanisms.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: watchOS 26.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3, iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, visionOS 26.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125884
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update for your device. 4. Restart your device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Permissions
allReview and limit application permissions to minimize potential data exposure
Install Apps Only from Trusted Sources
allOnly install applications from official app stores and verified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security controls and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your device's operating system version against the affected versions listed in the CVE descriptionCheck Version:
On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. On macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS version. On watchOS: Watch app > General > About > Version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify that your device is running one of the patched versions listed in the fix information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application behavior accessing privacy-protected resources
- Privacy permission violations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration from applications to external servers
SIEM Query:
Search for privacy framework violations, unexpected data access patterns, or application permission escalation events