CVE-2025-43322 Overview
CVE-2025-43322 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS that allows a local application to access user-sensitive data. Apple addressed the issue with improved checks in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-284] (Improper Access Control) and requires local access with user interaction for successful exploitation. No public proof-of-concept or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported.
Critical Impact
A malicious app installed locally can bypass access controls to read user-sensitive data on unpatched macOS systems.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.7.2)
- Apple macOS Sonoma (prior to 14.8.2)
- Apple macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.1)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-04 - CVE-2025-43322 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43322
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-43322 stems from a logic error in a macOS component that governs access to protected user data. Apple's advisory states the issue was fixed by adding improved checks, indicating that a code path failed to correctly validate authorization before returning or exposing sensitive resources. The weakness maps to [CWE-284] Improper Access Control.
Exploitation requires an attacker to run code locally on the target system, typically through an application the user has installed or launched. Because the vulnerability affects only confidentiality, an attacker gains read access to user-sensitive material but cannot directly modify data or crash the system through this flaw. Apple has not published the specific framework or subsystem in its public bulletin.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing or insufficient authorization check in a macOS system component. The affected code path evaluated conditions incorrectly, permitting an app context that should have been denied to reach data protected by macOS privacy controls. Apple's remediation added additional validation checks along the affected code path.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction, consistent with the scenario of a user running an untrusted or malicious application. A successful exploit lets the app read user data such as files, credentials, or metadata that Apple's Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) framework or comparable access-control mechanisms would normally protect. Apple has not disclosed exploitation details, and no proof-of-concept is publicly available. Refer to the Apple Support Document #125634 for vendor-provided technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43322
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected access to user directories such as ~/Library, ~/Documents, or ~/Downloads from newly installed or unsigned applications.
- Applications requesting or bypassing TCC prompts for Full Disk Access, Contacts, Calendars, or Photos without user consent.
- Anomalous file reads from privacy-protected locations correlated with a specific application bundle identifier.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Endpoint Security Framework (ESF) telemetry for ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_OPEN events targeting protected user data paths from non-Apple-signed processes.
- Track process ancestry and code-signing status for applications that read from privacy-sensitive locations.
- Correlate tccd and sandboxd log events with process execution to surface access-control anomalies.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Unified Logging retention for com.apple.TCC and com.apple.securityd subsystems and forward relevant events to a centralized SIEM.
- Baseline expected application behavior on managed macOS fleets and alert on new processes accessing TCC-protected data.
- Track macOS version compliance across the fleet to identify hosts still running vulnerable builds.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43322
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected endpoints to macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, or macOS Tahoe 26.1 as applicable.
- Restrict installation of unsigned or unnotarized applications through Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies such as Gatekeeper enforcement.
- Audit installed applications on managed macOS systems and remove software from untrusted sources.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. Detailed advisories are available in Apple Support Document #125635 and Apple Support Document #125636. Deploy updates through Software Update or an MDM solution such as Jamf, Kandji, or Microsoft Intune.
Workarounds
- No official workaround has been published by Apple; patching is the required remediation.
- Limit local user privileges and avoid installing applications from unverified developers until systems are updated.
- Enforce System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper policies to reduce the risk of malicious application execution.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
