CVE-2025-43188 is a recently disclosed vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.6. The vulnerability stems from a permissions issue that could allow a malicious application to escalate its privileges to root level. Root privileges grant an attacker full control over the affected system, enabling them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, install persistent malware, or disrupt system operations. Although the affected macOS versions are unspecified, the fix in macOS Sequoia 15.6 indicates that earlier versions are vulnerable. The vulnerability is due to insufficient restrictions on permissions, which a malicious app can exploit to gain unauthorized elevated access. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The lack of detailed technical specifics limits the ability to analyze the exact attack vector or complexity, but the core issue involves privilege escalation through a permissions flaw in the operating system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies that rely on macOS devices for critical operations. If exploited, attackers could gain root access, leading to full system compromise, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. This could result in loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information and systems. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, which often use macOS devices, could face regulatory and compliance repercussions under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation necessitates prompt attention. Additionally, the ability for a malicious app to gain root privileges without user interaction or complex prerequisites would increase the threat's severity and impact on operational security.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to version Sequoia 15.6 or later as soon as possible to apply the patch addressing this vulnerability. Until updates are deployed, organizations should implement strict application control policies, such as using Apple’s Gatekeeper and notarization requirements to restrict installation of untrusted or unsigned applications. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Limit user permissions to the minimum necessary and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and system logs to detect anomalous behavior. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate damage from potential compromises.