CVE-2025-43253 Overview
CVE-2025-43253 is a critical input validation vulnerability affecting Apple macOS that enables a malicious application to launch arbitrary binaries on a trusted device. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within macOS, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and execute unauthorized code. Apple has addressed this issue with improved input validation in macOS Sequoia 15.6 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.7.
Critical Impact
A malicious app may be able to launch arbitrary binaries on a trusted device, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Sequoia (versions prior to 15.6)
- Apple macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.7.7)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-30 - CVE-2025-43253 published to NVD
- 2025-11-03 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43253
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), indicating that macOS fails to properly validate or sanitize input before processing it in a security-sensitive context. The flaw allows malicious applications to exploit the trust relationship between system components, enabling the execution of arbitrary binaries without proper authorization checks.
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring user interaction or prior privileges, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where macOS devices may be exposed to untrusted networks or malicious applications. Successful exploitation can result in high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-43253 lies in insufficient input validation within macOS system components. When processing certain inputs, the operating system fails to properly verify the legitimacy and safety of the data before allowing it to influence binary execution decisions. This improper validation allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that bypass security checks and trigger unintended code execution pathways.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability through a malicious application installed on the target system. Once the malicious app is present, it can leverage the input validation flaw to launch arbitrary binaries on the trusted device, effectively bypassing macOS security mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized code execution.
The attack flow typically involves:
- Delivering a malicious application to the target macOS system
- The malicious app exploiting the input validation flaw
- Bypassing security controls to execute arbitrary binaries
- Achieving code execution in the context of the trusted device
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43253
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process spawning from applications that typically do not launch other binaries
- Unusual parent-child process relationships where trusted apps spawn suspicious executables
- Anomalous binary execution patterns in system logs, particularly from recently installed applications
- Unexpected network connections originating from newly spawned processes
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for applications attempting to launch binaries outside their normal operational scope
- Implement application behavior monitoring to detect deviations from baseline execution patterns
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of tracking process lineage and identifying suspicious process trees
- Review macOS unified logs for signs of improper binary execution attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed process auditing on macOS systems using auditd or similar tools
- Configure SentinelOne agents to monitor for suspicious process creation events
- Implement alerting for any application attempting to execute binaries from unusual locations
- Monitor for modifications to Gatekeeper and other macOS security component behaviors
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43253
Immediate Actions Required
- Update macOS Sequoia to version 15.6 or later immediately
- Update macOS Sonoma to version 14.7.7 or later immediately
- Audit installed applications and remove any untrusted or unnecessary software
- Review recent application installations for potentially malicious apps
Patch Information
Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability with improved input validation. Organizations should apply the following updates:
- macOS Sequoia 15.6 - See Apple Support Document #124149 for update details
- macOS Sonoma 14.7.7 - See Apple Support Document #124150 for update details
Additional technical details are available through the Full Disclosure Mailing List.
Workarounds
- Restrict application installation to trusted sources using Gatekeeper and App Store restrictions
- Enable and enforce macOS System Integrity Protection (SIP) to limit binary execution capabilities
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions
- Use network segmentation to limit exposure of macOS systems to potentially malicious content
# Verify System Integrity Protection status
csrutil status
# Check Gatekeeper status
spctl --status
# Enable Gatekeeper if disabled
sudo spctl --master-enable
# Review recent application installations
mdfind "kMDItemContentType == 'com.apple.application-bundle'" -onlyin /Applications | xargs ls -la
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
