CVE-2025-43512 Overview
CVE-2025-43512 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple operating systems. The flaw stems from a logic issue that Apple addressed with improved checks. An application running on an affected device may exploit the weakness to elevate privileges beyond its authorized scope.
Apple fixed the issue in iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.2. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-269] Improper Privilege Management. It requires local access and low privileges, with no user interaction needed for exploitation.
Critical Impact
A malicious app with local access can elevate privileges to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability on affected Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS versions prior to 18.7.3
- Apple iPadOS versions prior to 18.7.3
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.7.3, Sonoma prior to 14.8.3, and Tahoe prior to 26.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-12 - CVE-2025-43512 published to NVD
- 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43512
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a logic flaw within an Apple operating system component that performs privilege-related decisions. Apple's advisory states that the issue was addressed through improved checks, which indicates that the original code path failed to validate a condition relevant to privilege boundaries.
Exploitation requires a local attacker to run code on the device, such as through a malicious or compromised application. Once invoked, the flawed logic permits the attacker's process to gain elevated capabilities that should have been restricted. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System currently rates the likelihood of exploitation as low, and no public proof-of-concept is available.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper privilege management, tracked as [CWE-269]. A logic path within the affected component did not enforce the necessary checks before granting privileged operations. Apple has not disclosed the specific subsystem or function in public documentation. The fix introduces additional validation steps to close the gap.
Attack Vector
An attacker must first achieve local code execution on the target system. This is typically accomplished by convincing a user to install a malicious app or by chaining the issue with a remote code execution flaw. The attacker's process then triggers the vulnerable code path to obtain elevated privileges. No user interaction is required once the malicious app is running. Successful exploitation yields high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
No verified exploit code is publicly available. Refer to the Apple Support Document #125887 and Apple Support Document #125888 for vendor details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43512
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected processes running with elevated privileges that were initiated by standard user applications.
- Installation of unsigned or untrusted applications shortly before suspicious privilege transitions.
- System log entries indicating unusual entitlement use or privilege boundary crossings by non-system processes.
Detection Strategies
- Compare the installed OS build against the patched versions and flag systems still running vulnerable releases.
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for child processes spawned by user-mode apps that suddenly execute privileged operations.
- Correlate application install events with subsequent privilege escalation indicators on the same host.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward macOS unified logs and Endpoint Security Framework events to a centralized log platform for review.
- Track software inventory continuously to identify endpoints missing the relevant OS update.
- Alert on newly installed apps originating from outside approved distribution channels.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43512
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected devices to iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, or macOS Tahoe 26.2.
- Inventory all Apple endpoints and prioritize patching for systems used by privileged users or developers.
- Restrict installation of applications to vetted sources via mobile device management policies.
Patch Information
Apple has released fixes in the operating system versions listed above. Administrators should consult the Apple Support Document #125887 and Apple Support Document #125888 for component-level details. Additional context is available in Apple Support Document #125885 and Apple Support Document #125886.
Workarounds
- No vendor-provided workaround exists; applying the patch is the only complete remediation.
- Limit local code execution risk by enforcing Gatekeeper, notarization requirements, and reducing administrative app installations.
- Use MDM configuration profiles to block sideloaded or unsigned applications on managed endpoints.
# Verify macOS build and trigger software update check
sw_vers -productVersion
sudo softwareupdate -l
sudo softwareupdate -ia --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
