CVE-2025-4081 is a medium severity vulnerability affecting Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Resolve software on macOS platforms. The root cause is the use of the entitlement "com.apple.security.cs.disable-library-validation" combined with insufficient constraints on application launch and dynamic library loading. This configuration flaw allows a local attacker with limited privileges to substitute a legitimate dynamic library (dylib) with a malicious one. By doing so, the attacker can execute DaVinci Resolve with an altered dynamic library, effectively bypassing macOS's Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) security framework. TCC is responsible for managing user consent for access to sensitive resources such as the camera, microphone, and files. However, the attacker's access is limited to resources for which the user has already granted permissions. Any attempt to access additional resources beyond those permissions will still trigger a system prompt requiring explicit user approval. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to exploit, but it does require local unprivileged access to the system. The CVSS 4.0 score of 4.8 reflects a medium severity rating, indicating a moderate risk primarily due to the local attack vector and limited scope of resource access. The vulnerability affects all versions of DaVinci Resolve on macOS, with the last tested version being 19.1.3. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-276, which relates to incorrect default permissions, highlighting that the application’s entitlement and library loading policies are too permissive, enabling this attack vector.

For European organizations using DaVinci Resolve on macOS, this vulnerability poses a risk of local privilege escalation or unauthorized code execution within the context of the application. While the attacker cannot directly access resources beyond those already permitted by the user, the ability to load malicious libraries can lead to data manipulation, espionage, or sabotage of media projects. This could be particularly impactful for media production companies, broadcasters, and creative agencies that rely on DaVinci Resolve for video editing and color grading. The bypass of TCC controls undermines macOS’s security model, potentially exposing sensitive user data or intellectual property. However, the requirement for local access limits the threat to insiders, compromised endpoints, or attackers who have already gained some foothold in the environment. The absence of user interaction for exploitation increases risk in scenarios where an attacker has unprivileged access but cannot prompt the user. Overall, the impact is moderate but significant for organizations with sensitive media workflows or strict data protection requirements under regulations like GDPR.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict local user access on macOS systems running DaVinci Resolve to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 2) Monitor and audit dynamic library loads and application entitlements using macOS security tools such as Endpoint Security Framework or third-party EDR solutions to detect anomalous library substitutions. 3) Employ macOS System Integrity Protection (SIP) and ensure it is enabled and properly configured to limit unauthorized modifications to system and application files. 4) Use application whitelisting or code-signing enforcement to prevent execution of unauthorized dylibs. 5) Maintain strict user permission management and avoid granting unnecessary privileges that could facilitate local attacks. 6) Stay alert for official patches or updates from Blackmagic Design and apply them promptly once available. 7) Educate users about the risks of local access and the importance of not installing untrusted software or plugins that could facilitate dylib substitution. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on macOS-specific controls and organizational policies tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.