CVE-2025-46278
📋 TL;DR
A macOS vulnerability allows applications to bypass cache protections and access sensitive user data they shouldn't have permission to view. This affects macOS systems running versions before Tahoe 26.2. The risk is limited to local applications that can exploit improper cache handling.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious local application could access protected user data such as passwords, encryption keys, or personal files stored in protected caches.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications could exfiltrate cached authentication tokens, browser data, or other sensitive information from protected caches.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact would be limited to data accessible within the app's normal permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local application execution with ability to interact with cache mechanisms. No public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125886
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Tahoe 26.2 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnforce strict application sandboxing policies to limit what applications can access
Restrict Untrusted Applications
allUse macOS Gatekeeper and only allow applications from identified developers
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent untrusted applications from running
- Enable full disk encryption and ensure sensitive data is not cached unnecessarily
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if version is earlier than Tahoe 26.2, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Tahoe 26.2 or later in System Settings > General > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual cache access patterns in system logs
- Applications accessing protected cache directories without proper authorization
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound data transfers from applications that shouldn't have sensitive data access
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="cache_access" OR event="protected_data_access") AND result="success" AND user!="system"