CVE-2025-43262: Apple macOS · USB Restricted Mode may not be applied to accessories connected during boot
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 5.1 Medium.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 07:57 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 9% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:NExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 15 Sep 2025
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-26.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Apple macOS | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should ensure all macOS devices are updated to macOS Tahoe 26 or later, where the issue is fixed. Physical security controls should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing devices during boot, including securing devices in locked environments and using BIOS or firmware passwords to restrict boot options. Additionally, organizations can implement endpoint security solutions that monitor USB device connections and enforce policies restricting unauthorized USB accessories. Disabling boot from external devices in system firmware settings can further reduce risk. Regular security audits and user training on physical security best practices will also help mitigate exploitation opportunities. Since no known exploits exist, proactive patching and physical security remain the most effective defenses.
Description
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26. USB Restricted Mode may not be applied to accessories connected during boot.