CVE-2025-30462 is a critical security vulnerability in Apple macOS related to the App Sandbox security feature. The App Sandbox is designed to restrict app capabilities and limit the damage that malicious or compromised apps can cause by isolating them from critical system resources and user data. However, this vulnerability stems from a library injection issue that allows apps which appear to use the App Sandbox to bypass these restrictions and launch without any sandbox constraints. This effectively nullifies the sandbox protections, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the ease of remote exploitation (no privileges or user interaction required) and the severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the flaw represents a significant risk due to the widespread use of macOS in enterprise environments and the critical role of sandboxing in macOS security architecture. The underlying CWE-284 indicates an authorization bypass by design or logic flaw. The vulnerability was reserved and published in March 2025, with Apple addressing it by adding additional restrictions to prevent unauthorized library injection and sandbox bypass.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical threat, especially for those with significant macOS deployments such as creative industries, software development firms, and enterprises using Apple hardware for business-critical operations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, and disruption of services. The bypass of sandbox restrictions undermines a fundamental security control, increasing the risk of lateral movement and privilege escalation within networks. Given the high CVSS score and the lack of required user interaction or privileges, attackers could remotely compromise vulnerable systems at scale. This could impact confidentiality of personal and corporate data, integrity of systems and applications, and availability of critical services. The threat is particularly acute for organizations subject to strict data protection regulations like GDPR, as breaches could result in significant legal and financial penalties.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple in macOS Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5. Beyond patching, organizations should implement application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized or suspicious applications. Monitoring for unusual process launches and library injection attempts using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help detect exploitation attempts. Restricting administrative privileges and enforcing least privilege principles will reduce the impact of potential compromises. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. Additionally, organizations should review and tighten their macOS security configurations, including sandbox policies and code signing enforcement. User education on the risks of running untrusted applications remains important, even though user interaction is not required for exploitation. Finally, maintaining up-to-date backups and incident response plans will aid in recovery if exploitation occurs.