CVE-2025-43256 is a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Apple macOS operating systems prior to versions macOS Sequoia 15.6 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.7. The vulnerability stems from improper state management within the system, which allows a malicious application to escalate its privileges and gain root-level access. Root privileges grant an attacker full control over the affected system, enabling them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, install persistent malware, and disrupt system availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with relatively low attack complexity and no requirement for prior privileges. However, user interaction is required to trigger the exploit, which may involve running a malicious app or executing specific actions within the app. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management), indicating that the flaw arises from incorrect handling of user or process privileges within the OS. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation is high given the widespread use of macOS in both consumer and enterprise environments. The lack of detailed affected version information suggests that multiple macOS versions before the patched releases are vulnerable. The issue was resolved by Apple through improved state management in the affected components, emphasizing the importance of correct privilege state transitions within the OS kernel or related subsystems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on macOS devices. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches involving sensitive corporate or personal information, and disruption of critical business operations. The ability to gain root privileges allows attackers to install persistent backdoors, evade detection by security tools, and move laterally within networks. Given the high integration of macOS devices in sectors such as finance, technology, media, and public administration across Europe, the impact could extend to regulatory non-compliance, reputational damage, and financial losses. Additionally, organizations involved in research, intellectual property, or critical infrastructure may face heightened risks due to the potential for espionage or sabotage. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially spear-phishing campaigns or supply chain compromises that could deliver malicious applications to end users.

European organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all macOS devices to versions macOS Sequoia 15.6 or macOS Sonoma 14.7.7 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for privilege escalation attempts and anomalous process behaviors. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of running unverified applications and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Network segmentation can limit the lateral movement potential of compromised devices. Additionally, organizations should enforce least privilege principles, ensuring users operate with minimal necessary rights and avoid administrative accounts for daily tasks. Regular auditing of macOS systems for unauthorized changes and leveraging macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper can further reduce risk. Finally, maintaining up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to macOS environments will aid in recovery if exploitation occurs.