CVE-2025-43298: Apple macOS Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2025-43298 Overview

CVE-2025-43298 is a path parsing vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows a local application to gain root privileges. The flaw stems from improper validation of directory paths, which Apple addressed with improved path validation logic. The issue affects multiple macOS versions and is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8, and macOS Tahoe 26. The weakness is classified under CWE-41 (Improper Resolution of Path Equivalence).

Critical Impact
A malicious application running with limited privileges can escalate to root, gaining full control over the affected macOS system.

Affected Products

Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.7)
Apple macOS Sonoma (prior to 14.8)
Apple macOS Tahoe (prior to 26)

Discovery Timeline

2025-09-15 - CVE-2025-43298 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-43298

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2025-43298 is a local privilege escalation flaw rooted in how macOS parses directory paths. An attacker with the ability to execute code as a standard user can leverage the flaw to obtain root privileges. Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host. The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction. Apple documented the fix in support advisories for macOS Sequoia 15.7, Sonoma 14.8, and Tahoe 26.

Root Cause

The underlying issue is improper resolution of path equivalence [CWE-41]. macOS handled certain directory path strings without adequately normalizing or validating them before use in privileged operations. This parsing gap allowed alternate path representations to be treated as trusted or to bypass access checks. Apple corrected the behavior through improved path validation in the affected components.

Attack Vector

An attacker delivers or installs a malicious application on the target macOS system. The application supplies crafted directory paths to a privileged system component that fails to canonicalize them. When the component acts on the manipulated path, it performs a security-sensitive operation in a location or context controlled by the attacker. The result is escalation from a low-privilege user to root. No verified public proof-of-concept is available; refer to the Apple Support Document #125110, Apple Support Document #125111, and Apple Support Document #125112 for authoritative technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43298

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected root-owned files or processes created after execution of a non-privileged application.
Anomalous invocations of privileged system helpers with unusual or non-canonical path arguments containing .., symlinks, or duplicated separators.
Modifications to system directories such as /Library, /System, or /var performed by user-installed applications.

Detection Strategies

Monitor macOS Endpoint Security events for privilege transitions from standard users to uid=0 initiated by non-Apple-signed binaries.
Inspect Unified Log entries for path resolution errors or setuid helper invocations tied to unsigned or newly installed applications.
Baseline legitimate applications that interact with privileged services and alert on deviations, especially those referencing unusual directory paths.

Monitoring Recommendations

Track installation and first execution of unsigned or ad-hoc signed applications on managed macOS endpoints.
Collect and centralize macOS audit logs, execve telemetry, and file integrity events for endpoints running affected versions.
Alert on privilege escalation patterns correlated with recent application launches to accelerate triage.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43298

Immediate Actions Required

Update all affected macOS endpoints to Sequoia 15.7, Sonoma 14.8, or Tahoe 26 as applicable.
Inventory macOS hosts to confirm patch status and prioritize systems with local user access.
Restrict installation of unsigned or untrusted applications through Gatekeeper and MDM policies.

Patch Information

Apple has released patches addressing CVE-2025-43298 across affected macOS branches. Refer to the Apple Support Document #125110, Apple Support Document #125111, and Apple Support Document #125112 for detailed version and installation guidance. Deploy the updates through Apple's Software Update mechanism or an enterprise MDM solution.

Workarounds

No official workaround has been published by Apple; patching is the required remediation.
Limit standard users' ability to install or execute untrusted applications until patches are applied.
Enforce least-privilege policies and disable local administrator rights where not required.

bash

# Verify macOS version and apply updates
sw_vers -productVersion
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart