CVE-2025-43198 is a critical security vulnerability affecting Apple macOS operating systems prior to versions Sequoia 15.6 and Sonoma 14.7.7. The vulnerability allows an unprivileged application to access protected user data without requiring any user interaction or authentication. This issue stems from improper access control (CWE-284), where the vulnerable code permitted unauthorized access to sensitive information. The flaw is remotely exploitable (Attack Vector: Network) with low attack complexity, meaning an attacker can exploit it without specialized conditions or prerequisites. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through the removal of the vulnerable code in the patched macOS versions. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 9.8 underscores the critical nature of this flaw. Given the widespread use of macOS in enterprise and consumer environments, the vulnerability poses a significant risk of data breaches and potential system compromise if left unpatched.

For European organizations, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive user data, including corporate intellectual property, personal information, and credentials stored or processed on macOS devices. The ability for an app to access protected data without user consent or authentication could lead to large-scale data exfiltration, espionage, or disruption of business operations. Organizations relying on macOS for critical workflows, especially in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology, face heightened risks of regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations) and reputational damage. The vulnerability's network exploitability increases the attack surface, enabling remote attackers to compromise endpoints without physical access. This could facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks, further amplifying the impact. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild should not lead to complacency, as threat actors may develop exploits rapidly given the vulnerability's severity.

European organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected macOS systems to versions Sequoia 15.6 or Sonoma 14.7.7 or later, where the vulnerable code has been removed. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized or untrusted applications from executing. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous access to protected data and unusual application behaviors. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit exposure of macOS devices to untrusted networks. Regular audits of installed applications and user permissions can help identify potential vectors for exploitation. Additionally, organizations should enhance user awareness training to recognize suspicious application behaviors, even though this vulnerability does not require user interaction. Finally, integrating macOS-specific threat intelligence feeds can help detect emerging exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability.