CVE-2025-46283
📋 TL;DR
A logic vulnerability in macOS allows applications to access sensitive user data due to insufficient validation. This affects macOS systems before version 26.2. Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of data exposure.
💻 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 applications could access and exfiltrate sensitive user data including personal files, credentials, or other protected information.
Likely Case
Applications with legitimate permissions could inadvertently access data they shouldn't, or malicious apps could harvest limited sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact would be limited to data accessible within the app's normal permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to run a malicious application. No public exploit details available from Apple advisory.
🛠️ 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 Restriction
allOnly run applications from trusted sources and the App Store
Gatekeeper Enforcement
macOSEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to block unsigned applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized apps from running
- Enable full disk encryption and limit user data access through permissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 26.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows 26.2 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to sensitive directories
- Console logs showing permission errors for legitimate apps
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound data transfers from applications
SIEM Query:
source="macos" event_type="file_access" path="*Library/*" OR path="*Documents/*" AND result="success" AND app NOT IN (allowed_apps_list)