CVE-2025-43194 is a critical vulnerability affecting Apple macOS operating systems, specifically versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. The vulnerability allows a malicious application to modify protected parts of the file system without requiring any privileges or user interaction. This is due to insufficient access control checks (CWE-284) that were previously in place, which have been improved in the patched versions. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to alter system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation, persistence, or disruption of system operations. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the critical impact make this a significant threat. The vulnerability affects all macOS users running unpatched versions, and the fix is included in the latest updates of the mentioned macOS versions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for those relying on Apple macOS systems in their IT infrastructure. The ability for an unprivileged app to modify protected file system areas can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or system compromise. This could result in data breaches, disruption of business operations, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to unauthorized data access or alteration. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often use macOS devices for sensitive operations, are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could be leveraged for targeted attacks or widespread malware campaigns, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems and data.

European organizations should prioritize patching affected macOS systems by deploying updates to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, or macOS Ventura 13.7.7 as soon as possible. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring file system changes and anomalous behaviors can help detect exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and limiting macOS device access to sensitive resources can reduce potential impact. Regular auditing of system integrity and file system permissions should be conducted to identify unauthorized modifications. Additionally, educating users about the risks of installing untrusted software and enforcing least privilege principles will further reduce exposure.