CVE-2025-46283 Overview
CVE-2025-46283 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS that allows a local application to access sensitive user data. Apple addressed the issue with improved validation in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.2. The weakness is categorized under [CWE-200] Information Exposure. Exploitation requires local access and low privileges, with no user interaction needed. The vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, but confidentiality impact is high because protected user data can be read by an unauthorized app.
Critical Impact
A local application may bypass macOS validation logic to read sensitive user data without proper authorization.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.7.4
- Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.8.4
- Apple macOS Tahoe versions prior to 26.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-17 - CVE-2025-46283 published to NVD
- 2026-08-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-46283
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-46283 stems from insufficient validation logic within a macOS component that mediates access to protected user resources. A locally installed application can leverage the flaw to reach data that should require additional entitlements or user consent. Apple's advisory describes the fix as "a logic issue was addressed with improved validation," indicating the pre-patch code path failed to correctly evaluate authorization state before returning sensitive data. The weakness maps to [CWE-200] Information Exposure. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System places this issue in the low-probability range, and Apple has not indicated exploitation in the wild.
Root Cause
The root cause is a flawed validation check inside a macOS subsystem that governs access to user-scoped data. The original logic accepted requests that did not meet the required conditions for disclosure. Apple's patch tightens the validation path so that requests failing the entitlement or consent check are rejected before any data is returned.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker to run code locally on the target Mac, typically through a malicious or trojanized application. The application does not need elevated privileges and no user interaction is required beyond running the app. Once executed, the app queries the vulnerable macOS interface and receives sensitive user data that should have been protected. This vector is common in supply-chain compromises, sideloaded utilities, and drive-by installations from untrusted sources.
Apple has not published low-level technical details. See the Apple Support Article #125886, Apple Support Article #126349, and Apple Support Article #126350 for vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-46283
Indicators of Compromise
- Unsigned or ad-hoc signed applications launched from user-writable directories such as ~/Downloads, ~/Library, or /tmp.
- Unexpected processes reading from user data stores, keychains, or protected preference domains without a corresponding user prompt.
- New LaunchAgents or LaunchDaemons in ~/Library/LaunchAgents or /Library/LaunchDaemons installed shortly after untrusted software execution.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory macOS endpoints and flag any host running versions earlier than 15.7.4, 14.8.4, or 26.2.
- Baseline process-to-file access patterns and alert on unfamiliar binaries querying protected user directories.
- Correlate Gatekeeper, XProtect, and TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) log events with process telemetry to identify anomalous data access.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Endpoint Security framework events, unified log entries, and TCC decisions to a centralized data lake for retention and search.
- Monitor for repeated denied access followed by successful access to the same protected resource, which can indicate probing.
- Track installation sources of new applications and alert when non-notarized software executes on managed fleets.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-46283
Immediate Actions Required
- Deploy macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, or macOS Tahoe 26.2 across all managed Apple endpoints.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM configuration profiles and Gatekeeper policies.
- Audit installed applications for unknown or unsigned binaries and remove those without a legitimate business need.
Patch Information
Apple released fixed builds in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.2. Full advisory details are available in the Apple Support Article #125886. Administrators using MDM platforms such as Jamf, Kandji, or Intune should push the update through their standard software-update workflow and enforce a deadline for installation.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; apply the vendor patch as the primary remediation.
- Reduce attack surface by enforcing least-privilege user accounts and blocking execution of software from untrusted sources.
- Enable full Gatekeeper enforcement and require notarization for all installed applications where feasible.
# Verify macOS version and trigger available updates
sw_vers -productVersion
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
