CVE-2025-30462 is a critical security vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically targeting the App Sandbox mechanism. The App Sandbox is a key security feature that restricts applications’ capabilities to limit damage from compromised or malicious apps by isolating them from critical system resources and user data. This vulnerability arises from a library injection flaw that allows applications which appear to use the App Sandbox to bypass its restrictions entirely and launch without any sandbox constraints. This effectively nullifies the sandbox protections, enabling the app to operate with unrestricted access to system resources. The issue affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5, and Ventura 13.7.5, where Apple has implemented additional restrictions to fix the problem. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), highlighting that the sandbox enforcement can be circumvented. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting a critical severity due to the vulnerability’s network attack vector, no required privileges, no user interaction, and its impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the potential for attackers to gain unrestricted execution capabilities on affected macOS systems is significant. This could lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of system operations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust sandbox enforcement in modern operating systems and the risks posed by library injection techniques that can undermine such controls.

The impact of CVE-2025-30462 is severe for organizations worldwide using affected macOS versions. By bypassing the App Sandbox, attackers can execute arbitrary code with unrestricted privileges, leading to complete system compromise. This threatens confidentiality by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data, integrity by enabling modification or deletion of critical files, and availability by potentially causing system crashes or denial of service. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk of remote exploitation. Organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure, development environments, or sensitive data processing face heightened risks of espionage, data breaches, ransomware deployment, and operational disruption. The ability to bypass sandbox restrictions also complicates detection and containment, as malicious activities may appear as legitimate app behavior. This vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against high-value targets or broadly in automated campaigns once exploit code becomes available. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the critical nature demands urgent patching and security reviews.

To mitigate CVE-2025-30462, organizations should immediately update all affected macOS systems to the patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, or macOS Ventura 13.7.5. Beyond patching, organizations should audit applications that utilize the App Sandbox to verify their integrity and confirm they are not susceptible to library injection attacks. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring for abnormal process behaviors indicative of sandbox bypass attempts. Restrict installation of software to trusted sources and enforce strict code signing policies to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be applied to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to unauthorized app launches or unusual privilege escalations. Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate lessons learned from this vulnerability and improve sandbox enforcement mechanisms. Finally, educate users and administrators about the importance of timely updates and the risks associated with running untrusted applications.