CVE-2025-46289
📋 TL;DR
A logic flaw in macOS file handling allows applications to bypass intended access restrictions and read protected user data. This affects macOS systems running vulnerable versions before the patched releases. Users with sensitive data stored in protected locations are at risk.
💻 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 →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 sensitive user data including documents, credentials, or personal information stored in protected locations, leading to data theft or privacy violations.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate applications could access user data they shouldn't have permission to read, potentially exposing personal or sensitive information.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and security controls, exploitation would be limited to specific contexts, though data exposure risk remains.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code is currently known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125886
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available macOS updates. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
macOSUse macOS privacy controls to restrict application access to sensitive data locations
Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Files and Folders to review and restrict application permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications using macOS Gatekeeper and only install from App Store or identified developers
- Use separate user accounts for sensitive work and limit application permissions through System Settings > Privacy & Security
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Tahoe 26.2, Sequoia 15.7.3, or Sonoma 14.8.3, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is at least Tahoe 26.2, Sequoia 15.7.3, or Sonoma 14.8.3 in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications, particularly to protected directories
- Console.app logs showing unexpected file permission errors or access attempts
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators as this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
macOS endpoint logs showing file access violations or unexpected application behavior with file system operations