CVE-2025-43417: macOS Sonoma Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-43417 Overview

CVE-2025-43417 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) affecting macOS Sonoma that allows malicious applications to access user-sensitive data through improper path handling logic. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file path inputs, enabling attackers to bypass intended directory restrictions and access protected files outside of their authorized scope.

Critical Impact

A malicious application running locally can exploit improper path handling to access user-sensitive data, potentially exposing private information, credentials, or confidential documents stored on the affected macOS system.

Affected Products

• macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.8.4)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-11 - CVE CVE-2025-43417 published to NVD
• 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-43417

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists within macOS Sonoma's path handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation allows applications to construct file paths that traverse outside of intended directory boundaries. When an application processes user-controlled path data, it fails to properly sanitize special path sequences, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive files that should be protected by the operating system's security boundaries.

The local attack vector requires user interaction, typically through running a malicious application. Once executed, the application can leverage the path traversal flaw to read sensitive user data, potentially including documents, application data, authentication tokens, or other private information stored on the system.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-43417 is improper input validation in macOS Sonoma's path handling logic. The vulnerable component fails to properly neutralize special elements in path names before using them to access files. This allows path traversal sequences (such as ../ patterns) to escape intended directory restrictions, violating the principle of least privilege by granting applications access to data beyond their authorized scope.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access and user interaction. An attacker would typically:

1. Create a malicious application that exploits the path handling vulnerability
2. Distribute the application through social engineering or compromised software channels
3. When a user executes the application, it constructs malicious file paths
4. The application traverses directory boundaries to access user-sensitive data
5. Sensitive information is exfiltrated or misused by the attacker

The vulnerability manifests in macOS Sonoma's path handling routines where user-controlled input is processed without adequate sanitization. Technical details and exploitation specifics can be found in the Apple Support Document.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43417

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file access patterns from applications attempting to read files outside their designated directories
• Applications making repeated access attempts to sensitive user directories such as ~/Documents, ~/Library, or configuration files
• Log entries showing path traversal sequences (../, ..\\) in file access requests
• Unexpected data exfiltration activity from applications with limited intended filesystem access

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for applications accessing files outside their expected sandbox or bundle locations
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on sensitive user directories to detect unauthorized access
• Review system logs for path manipulation attempts in file system operations
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify path traversal exploitation patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable advanced logging for file system access events on macOS systems
• Configure security tools to alert on applications accessing sensitive user data directories
• Implement behavioral analysis to detect applications exhibiting anomalous file access patterns
• Regularly audit installed applications for signs of malicious activity or unauthorized data access

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43417

Immediate Actions Required

• Update macOS Sonoma to version 14.8.4 or later immediately
• Review and remove any suspicious or untrusted applications from affected systems
• Limit application installations to trusted sources (Mac App Store or identified developers)
• Enable Gatekeeper and verify it is configured to block applications from unidentified developers

Patch Information

Apple has addressed this vulnerability in macOS Sonoma 14.8.4. The fix improves the path handling logic to properly validate and sanitize file path inputs, preventing traversal attempts from accessing files outside authorized directories.

For complete patch details and installation instructions, refer to the Apple Support Document.

Workarounds

• Restrict application installations to only verified and trusted sources
• Enable strict Gatekeeper settings to prevent execution of unsigned applications
• Review application permissions and revoke file system access for non-essential applications
• Consider implementing additional access controls using third-party endpoint protection solutions

# Verify Gatekeeper is enabled
spctl --status

# Enable Gatekeeper if disabled
sudo spctl --master-enable

# Check macOS version to verify patch status
sw_vers -productVersion