CVE-2025-30458 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically related to a permissions issue that allows an application to bypass sandbox restrictions and read files outside its designated sandbox environment. The sandbox is a core security mechanism in macOS designed to isolate applications and restrict their access to system resources and user data. This vulnerability, categorized under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read), enables an attacker to access sensitive files that should be inaccessible to the compromised application, potentially exposing confidential information or system files. The issue affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the release of macOS Sequoia 15.4, where Apple has implemented additional restrictions to address the problem. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, with an attack vector that is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker can remotely exploit this flaw without authentication or user involvement, leading to severe consequences including data leakage, system manipulation, or denial of service. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild at the time of publication, the high severity and ease of exploitation make this a significant threat. The vulnerability underscores the importance of sandbox enforcement in macOS and the risks posed when such controls fail. Organizations relying on macOS should prioritize patching and review application permissions to mitigate potential exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-30458 is substantial. The ability for an application to read files outside its sandbox can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, and personal information protected under GDPR. This could result in data breaches, regulatory fines, reputational damage, and operational disruption. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology that use macOS devices for daily operations are particularly vulnerable. The integrity and availability of systems may also be compromised if attackers leverage this vulnerability to alter or delete files or disrupt services. Given the vulnerability requires no privileges or user interaction, it increases the risk of widespread exploitation, potentially affecting remote employees or cloud-based macOS environments. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the critical CVSS score demands urgent attention to prevent future attacks.

European organizations should immediately update all macOS devices to version Sequoia 15.4 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application sandboxing policies and limit the installation of untrusted or unnecessary applications to reduce the attack surface. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual file access patterns indicative of sandbox escape attempts. Regularly audit application permissions and sandbox configurations to ensure compliance with security policies. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems and restrict network access to macOS devices where feasible. Educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software and maintain robust backup procedures to recover from potential data integrity attacks. Finally, monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability to respond swiftly.