CVE-2025-46291
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Gatekeeper bypass vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to circumvent security checks. Attackers could potentially execute untrusted code without proper validation. This affects macOS users who download and run applications from untrusted sources.
💻 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 app executes with user privileges, leading to full system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Users inadvertently run malicious apps from untrusted sources, leading to malware installation or credential theft.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls, impact is limited to isolated user account compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to execute malicious application; no remote exploitation without user action.
🛠️ 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
Restrict App Sources
allConfigure Gatekeeper to only allow apps from the App Store
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
Disable Automatic Opening
allPrevent downloaded apps from opening automatically
defaults write com.apple.LaunchServices LSQuarantine -bool true
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which apps can execute
- Educate users to only download apps from trusted sources and verify developer signatures
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than Tahoe 26.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Tahoe 26.2 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Gatekeeper bypass attempts in system logs
- Unexpected app execution from quarantine
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious executables from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="Gatekeeper" OR event="quarantine") AND action="bypass"