CVE-2025-43262 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS related to the USB Restricted Mode security feature. USB Restricted Mode is designed to prevent unauthorized USB accessories from connecting to a macOS device when it is locked, thereby mitigating risks such as data exfiltration or malicious device injection. However, this vulnerability arises because the USB Restricted Mode may not be enforced on accessories connected during the system boot process. This means that if an attacker has physical access and connects a USB device at the moment the system powers on, the device might bypass the intended restrictions. The root cause is a permissions issue that allows USB devices connected during boot to circumvent the security controls that normally restrict USB accessory access. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.1, reflecting a medium severity level, with an attack vector of local (physical access required), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity to a limited extent, with no impact on availability. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-358 (Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the issue is significant enough to warrant patching, which Apple has addressed in macOS Tahoe 26. The lack of patch links suggests the update is recent or still rolling out. Organizations relying on macOS devices should prioritize updating to the fixed version and consider additional physical security measures to mitigate exploitation risks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in environments where macOS devices are used and physical access to machines cannot be strictly controlled. The potential impact includes unauthorized data access or manipulation via malicious USB devices connected during boot, which could lead to limited confidentiality and integrity breaches. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that use Apple hardware extensively may face increased risk, especially if devices are deployed in less secure locations or shared environments. The vulnerability does not affect availability and requires physical presence, limiting remote exploitation risks. However, the ability to bypass USB Restricted Mode could facilitate advanced attacks such as implanting persistent malware or extracting sensitive information. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate future risk. Organizations with stringent compliance requirements under GDPR and other data protection laws must consider the implications of potential data exposure through this vector.

1. Apply the macOS Tahoe 26 update promptly once available to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing devices during boot, including secure boot environments and locked hardware rooms. 3. Implement endpoint security solutions capable of monitoring and logging USB device connections, especially during system startup. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risks of connecting unknown USB devices and the importance of securing devices physically. 5. Consider disabling or restricting USB ports via firmware or hardware controls in high-security environments where feasible. 6. Use full disk encryption and strong authentication mechanisms to reduce the impact of potential unauthorized access. 7. Regularly audit device configurations and security policies to ensure compliance with best practices regarding peripheral device management. 8. Monitor security advisories from Apple for any further updates or related vulnerabilities.