CVE-2025-43268 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as a permissions issue (CWE-732) that allows a malicious application to gain root privileges. The vulnerability arises from insufficient restrictions on certain system permissions, enabling an attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to escalate to full root access without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have some level of access to the system, such as a standard user account or the ability to run code locally. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high impact), as root access allows complete control over the system, including access to sensitive data, modification or deletion of files, and disruption of system operations. Apple addressed this issue in macOS Sequoia 15.6 by implementing additional permission restrictions to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a significant risk if exploited. The vulnerability is particularly critical because it does not require user interaction, increasing the likelihood of automated or stealthy exploitation once local access is obtained. The lack of specified affected versions suggests that multiple macOS versions prior to 15.6 may be vulnerable. Organizations relying on macOS should prioritize updating to the patched version and review local privilege management policies.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk due to the widespread use of Apple macOS devices in corporate environments, especially in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches involving personal and sensitive information protected under GDPR, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks. The ability to gain root privileges locally means that insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds through phishing or other means could escalate privileges rapidly. This could undermine trust in IT infrastructure and lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using macOS devices are particularly vulnerable if devices are not promptly updated. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity demands urgent attention.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to Sequoia 15.6 or later to apply the patch that fixes this vulnerability. 2. Implement strict endpoint management policies to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Apple devices. 3. Restrict local user permissions to the minimum necessary, avoiding granting unnecessary administrative privileges. 4. Employ application whitelisting and monitor for unauthorized or suspicious applications attempting privilege escalation. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 6. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions on macOS systems to identify and remediate potential privilege misconfigurations. 7. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications locally, as local access is required for exploitation. 8. For high-value targets, consider implementing additional security controls such as system integrity protection and mandatory access controls where feasible. 9. Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability.