CVE-2025-43530 Overview
CVE-2025-43530 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Apple addressed the flaw with improved checks in iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.2. An app running locally may be able to access sensitive user data that should be protected by the operating system. The issue is tracked under [CWE-200] Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor. Apple documented the fix across advisories 125885, 125886, 125887, and 125888.
Critical Impact
A locally installed application can read sensitive user data on unpatched Apple devices, undermining the platform's data protection boundaries.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to 18.7.3
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.7.3 and macOS Sonoma prior to 14.8.3
- Apple macOS Tahoe prior to 26.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-12 - CVE-2025-43530 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-43530
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-43530 is an information disclosure weakness in Apple operating systems. The flaw allows a local application to reach user data that the sandbox and privacy framework should isolate. Apple's advisory states the root cause was resolved with improved checks, indicating missing or insufficient validation on a data access path.
The weakness is categorized under [CWE-200]. Exploitation preserves system integrity and availability but breaks confidentiality of user data. Apple has not disclosed the specific component or API involved, referring users to the corresponding support articles for each platform.
There is no public proof-of-concept, no exploit tooling in ExploitDB, and no listing in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The current EPSS probability is low, consistent with a local-only attack requiring an application to already run on the device.
Root Cause
Apple describes the fix as "improved checks," which typically indicates missing authorization or validation logic on an access path that returned protected data to a caller lacking the required entitlement. The vendor has not published the component name or code-level details.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local code execution on the target device, delivered through a malicious or compromised application. No user interaction is required beyond running the app. Successful exploitation exposes sensitive user data such as files, identifiers, or protected framework outputs. The attacker cannot modify data or disrupt the system through this flaw alone.
No verified public proof-of-concept exists. Refer to the Apple advisories linked above for platform-specific fix descriptions.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-43530
Indicators of Compromise
- Apple has not published file hashes, process names, or network indicators tied to CVE-2025-43530.
- Presence of unmanaged or sideloaded applications on endpoints running OS versions below the fixed builds.
- Applications requesting or reading data outside their declared entitlements shortly after installation.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices and flag any running versions below iOS/iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS 14.8.3, macOS 15.7.3, or macOS 26.2.
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for third-party applications reading privacy-protected locations such as ~/Library, TCC-protected paths, or Keychain items without matching user consent prompts.
- Correlate application launches with unusual access to user document, mail, messages, or photo directories.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest macOS Endpoint Security Framework (ESF) events into a central data lake and alert on ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_OPEN calls against sensitive paths from non-Apple binaries.
- Track MDM compliance reports to confirm that all managed Apple devices reach the patched OS builds.
- Review installed application inventories for apps not distributed through the App Store or approved MDM channels.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-43530
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple endpoints to iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, or macOS Tahoe 26.2 or later.
- Enforce OS version compliance through your MDM (Jamf, Intune, Kandji, or Workspace ONE) and quarantine devices that fail the check.
- Audit installed applications and remove any that are unsigned, sideloaded, or lacking a clear business need.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.2. See the vendor advisories: Apple Support 125887 and Apple Support 125888. Additional platform notes are available in Apple Support 125885 and Apple Support 125886.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists. Patching is the only supported remediation.
- Restrict installation of unvetted third-party applications through MDM configuration profiles and Gatekeeper policy.
- Enable full TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) prompts and deny access requests from unknown applications until devices are updated.
# Verify current macOS build and confirm the device meets the fixed version
sw_vers -productVersion
# Example MDM compliance check: block devices below the patched builds
# Sequoia >= 15.7.3, Sonoma >= 14.8.3, Tahoe >= 26.2
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
