CVE-2025-43198 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, allowing unauthorized applications to access protected user data. The vulnerability stems from improper access control (CWE-284), where an app can bypass security restrictions and gain access to sensitive information without requiring any privileges, user interaction, or authentication. This flaw affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.6 and Sonoma 14.7.7, where the vulnerable code was removed to mitigate the issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it highly exploitable remotely, posing a severe risk to users and organizations. The vulnerability could be leveraged to exfiltrate sensitive data, manipulate or corrupt user information, and disrupt system availability. Given macOS's widespread use in enterprise environments, especially in sectors handling sensitive data, this vulnerability represents a significant threat vector that must be addressed promptly.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43198 is substantial. The ability for an unprivileged app to access protected user data can lead to severe data breaches, exposing personal, financial, or intellectual property information. This compromises confidentiality and may result in regulatory penalties under GDPR due to unauthorized data disclosure. Integrity of data can be undermined if attackers modify or corrupt user data, potentially disrupting business operations or causing misinformation. Availability may also be affected if the vulnerability is exploited to crash or destabilize systems. Organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure, development, or client services face increased risk of operational disruption and reputational damage. The lack of required user interaction or privileges lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. This threat is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology companies within Europe, where sensitive data protection is paramount.

European organizations should immediately verify their macOS versions and upgrade to macOS Sequoia 15.6 or Sonoma 14.7.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched by removing the vulnerable code. Organizations should enforce strict application whitelisting and monitor for unauthorized or suspicious applications attempting to access protected data. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous app behavior on macOS devices. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and restrict installation privileges to trusted personnel. Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of critical macOS systems and use strong network monitoring to detect unusual outbound data flows indicative of data exfiltration attempts. Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted applications and maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential data integrity or availability attacks. Additionally, coordinate with Apple support and security advisories to stay informed about any emerging exploit developments or additional patches.