CVE-2025-43248 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS operating systems, specifically addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.6 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.7. The vulnerability stems from a logic issue that allowed a malicious application to escalate its privileges to root level. Root privileges grant full control over the system, enabling an attacker to bypass security mechanisms, modify system files, install persistent malware, and potentially compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is characterized by a low attack vector (local access required), low attack complexity, no privileges required initially, but requires user interaction (e.g., running the malicious app). The vulnerability scope is unchanged, meaning the exploit affects only the vulnerable component without extending beyond it. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management), highlighting that the system failed to enforce proper restrictions on privilege escalation. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation remains significant due to the high impact of root privilege escalation. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in July 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No specific affected macOS versions were detailed beyond the fixed versions, so it is assumed that versions prior to Sequoia 15.6 and Sonoma 14.7.7 are vulnerable. The lack of patch links suggests that users should rely on official Apple update channels to obtain fixes. Overall, this vulnerability represents a critical risk for macOS users, especially those running unpatched versions, as it could be leveraged by attackers to gain full system control through a malicious application executed with user interaction.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly for those relying on macOS devices within their IT infrastructure. The ability for a malicious app to gain root privileges can lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of critical business operations, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology, which often handle sensitive or regulated data, could face data breaches, compliance violations (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. The requirement for user interaction means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver the malicious app, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, the local attack vector implies that attackers may need initial access to the device, which could be achieved through compromised credentials or physical access. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for organizations to patch and mitigate the risk before widespread exploitation occurs. However, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the urgency of addressing this vulnerability promptly to prevent potential targeted attacks against European enterprises and public sector entities.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond simply applying patches. First and foremost, ensure all macOS devices are updated to at least macOS Sequoia 15.6 or macOS Sonoma 14.7.7 to incorporate the official fix. Establish strict application control policies using Apple’s built-in tools such as Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) to prevent execution of unauthorized or unsigned applications. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation behaviors and anomalous process executions. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding social engineering tactics that could lead to installation of malicious apps. Limit local user privileges by enforcing the principle of least privilege, ensuring users operate with standard accounts rather than administrative rights where possible. Implement network segmentation to reduce the impact of a compromised device and restrict lateral movement. Regularly audit macOS devices for compliance with security policies and monitor logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored to macOS environments to enable rapid containment and remediation if exploitation occurs.