CVE-2025-43247 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that arises from a permissions issue allowing a malicious application running with root privileges to modify system files. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-732, which relates to permissions issues that can lead to unauthorized modification of critical system components. The root cause is insufficient restrictions on system file access, which could allow an attacker with elevated privileges to alter system files, potentially compromising system integrity. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, low confidentiality impact, high integrity impact, and no availability impact. Exploitation requires the attacker to have root privileges, which limits the attack surface but still poses a serious threat if root access is obtained through other means. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through additional restrictions on system file permissions in the specified macOS versions. This vulnerability could be leveraged to implant persistent malicious code, alter system behavior, or disable security controls by modifying system files, thus undermining the trustworthiness of the operating system.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43247 can be significant, especially for those relying on macOS for critical operations. If exploited, an attacker with root privileges could modify system files, potentially leading to persistent malware installation, tampering with security mechanisms, or disruption of system integrity. This could result in data integrity issues, unauthorized access escalation, and operational disruptions. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that use macOS systems could face increased risk of targeted attacks aiming to compromise system trustworthiness. The requirement for root privileges reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments where privilege escalation vulnerabilities or insider threats exist. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently lowers immediate risk but underscores the importance of proactive patching and monitoring to prevent future exploitation. Additionally, compromised macOS systems could be used as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, amplifying the impact on organizational security.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43247, European organizations should: 1) Immediately apply the security updates provided by Apple in macOS Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, and Ventura 13.7.7 or later versions to ensure the permissions issue is resolved. 2) Restrict root access rigorously by enforcing the principle of least privilege, using strong authentication mechanisms, and limiting the number of users with root privileges. 3) Implement robust monitoring and alerting for unauthorized changes to system files, leveraging file integrity monitoring tools tailored for macOS environments. 4) Conduct regular audits of privileged accounts and review system logs for suspicious activity indicative of privilege escalation or unauthorized system modifications. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to system file modifications. 6) Educate system administrators and users about the risks of running untrusted applications with elevated privileges. 7) Consider network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised macOS system within the organizational network. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.