CVE-2025-43233 is a critical vulnerability affecting Apple macOS systems, specifically versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. The vulnerability arises from insufficient access restrictions that allow a malicious application, acting as an HTTPS proxy, to intercept and access sensitive user data. This means that an attacker who can install or run a malicious app on a vulnerable macOS device can position it as a man-in-the-middle HTTPS proxy, thereby decrypting or capturing encrypted traffic intended to be secure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which relates to improper access control, indicating that the system failed to enforce adequate permissions or restrictions on proxy operations. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (critical) reflects the high severity, with an attack vector that is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component but with severe consequences. Apple has addressed this issue by improving access restrictions in the specified macOS versions. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, but the ease of exploitation and the critical impact make this a significant threat to macOS users.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for those relying on macOS devices within their IT infrastructure. The ability of a malicious app to act as an HTTPS proxy and access sensitive data can lead to severe data breaches, including exposure of confidential communications, credentials, and proprietary information. This can compromise user privacy, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance, particularly under GDPR, which mandates strict protection of personal data. The integrity and availability of systems could also be affected if attackers manipulate or disrupt HTTPS traffic. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology, which often use macOS devices, may face operational disruptions, reputational damage, and legal consequences. The lack of required privileges or user interaction for exploitation increases the risk of widespread compromise if malicious apps are distributed via social engineering, supply chain attacks, or insider threats.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to the patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, or macOS Ventura 13.7.7. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of unauthorized or untrusted applications, including the use of Apple’s notarization and Gatekeeper features. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual proxy configurations or HTTPS traffic anomalies. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to identify suspicious proxy-related behaviors. User education campaigns should emphasize the risks of installing unverified software. Additionally, organizations should review and tighten access controls related to network proxy settings and consider deploying network-level protections such as SSL/TLS inspection with caution, ensuring it does not inadvertently expose sensitive data. Regular audits of installed applications and proxy configurations on macOS endpoints will help detect potential misuse early.