CVE-2025-43329 Overview
CVE-2025-43329 is a permissions vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw allows a malicious application to break out of its sandbox and access resources outside its intended boundaries. Apple addressed the issue by adding additional permission restrictions in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-862] (Missing Authorization) and carries a local attack vector with low privilege requirements.
Critical Impact
A malicious app running on an affected Apple device can escape its sandbox restrictions, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, system resources, or other applications' data outside its authorized scope.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 26)
- Apple macOS Tahoe (versions prior to 26)
- Apple tvOS and watchOS (versions prior to 26)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-15 - CVE-2025-43329 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43329
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from a missing authorization check that allowed an application to perform actions outside its sandbox constraints. Apple's application sandbox is a mandatory access control layer that restricts what each app can read, write, and execute on the system. When a sandbox permission check is absent or insufficient, an app that runs with low privileges can reach files, services, or interprocess communication channels reserved for other components. Exploitation requires local code execution on the device, which is typically achieved through a malicious app installed via the App Store, TestFlight, sideloading channels, or a chained remote vulnerability.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as [CWE-862] Missing Authorization. A component within the affected Apple operating systems did not enforce sufficient permission checks before granting access to a resource. Apple's fix adds additional restrictions to close the authorization gap, preventing sandboxed processes from reaching the protected functionality.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a local, sandboxed process on the target device. An attacker delivers a crafted application that invokes the vulnerable interface, bypasses the intended sandbox boundary, and gains access to resources belonging to other apps or the operating system. Because the scope changes after exploitation, the compromised process can affect components beyond its original security boundary. See the Apple Security Update #125108, Apple Security Update #125114, and Apple Security Update #125116 for vendor technical details.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been released for CVE-2025-43329, and no verified code examples are available.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43329
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected file access or writes by an app outside its container directory under /private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/
- Applications spawning unexpected XPC service connections or invoking privileged system frameworks not declared in their entitlements
- Anomalous crash logs referencing sandbox denial messages or entitlement mismatches on devices running pre-26 Apple operating systems
Detection Strategies
- Inventory managed Apple devices and flag those running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS versions earlier than 26
- On macOS, review Endpoint Security framework telemetry for processes accessing resources outside their sandbox container
- Correlate installed app metadata against threat intelligence for known malicious bundle identifiers targeting sandbox escapes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward macOS Unified Log entries related to sandboxd and tccd to a central logging platform for review
- Monitor Mobile Device Management (MDM) compliance reports for devices that have not upgraded to the patched OS releases
- Track app installation events from non-App Store sources and review entitlements requested by newly deployed applications
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43329
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade all Apple devices to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, or watchOS 26 as applicable
- Enforce OS version compliance policies through MDM to block or quarantine devices running vulnerable releases
- Audit installed third-party applications and remove any that are unnecessary, unsigned, or from untrusted developers
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26. Refer to Apple Security Update #125108, Apple Security Update #125110, Apple Security Update #125114, and Apple Security Update #125116 for the full list of addressed CVEs and download instructions.
Workarounds
- No official workarounds exist; applying the vendor patch is the only supported remediation
- Restrict app installation to the App Store and block sideloading or unsigned application execution where policy permits
- Apply the principle of least privilege by removing unused apps and reviewing app entitlements on managed endpoints
# Verify macOS version to confirm the patched release is installed
sw_vers -productVersion
# On iOS/iPadOS, confirm version via Settings > General > About, or via MDM query
# Ensure devices report version 26 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
