CVE-2025-43267 is an injection vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.6. The root cause is inadequate validation of input data, categorized under CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component). This flaw allows a malicious application to exploit the injection weakness to access sensitive user data that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction (UI:R) to be exploited. The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component without affecting other system components. The confidentiality impact is high (C:H), while integrity and availability impacts are none (I:N, A:N). Although no public exploits have been reported, the vulnerability poses a risk of data leakage if exploited. The issue was resolved by Apple through improved input validation in the latest macOS update, emphasizing the importance of patching. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where sensitive user data is handled on macOS devices, including enterprise and personal systems.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-43267 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data, which can lead to privacy violations, identity theft, or leakage of confidential information. Since the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, it does not enable attackers to modify data or disrupt services. However, the ability for an unprivileged app to access sensitive data elevates the risk profile, especially in environments with sensitive or regulated data. Organizations relying on macOS devices for critical operations or handling personal data may face compliance and reputational risks if exploited. The need for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or social engineering attacks. Overall, the vulnerability could facilitate targeted data exfiltration campaigns or augment other attack vectors in a multi-stage compromise.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43267, organizations should immediately update all macOS devices to version Sequoia 15.6 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local app behavior indicative of injection attempts. Educate users on the risks of interacting with untrusted applications or links to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and remove unnecessary or potentially risky software. For environments with highly sensitive data, consider additional sandboxing or containerization of applications to limit data access scope. Finally, maintain robust backup and incident response plans to quickly address any data exposure incidents.