CVE-2025-43275 is a critical security vulnerability discovered in Apple macOS that allows an application to escape its sandbox environment due to a race condition (CWE-362). The sandbox is a core security mechanism in macOS designed to isolate applications and restrict their access to system resources and user data. This vulnerability arises from insufficient synchronization during validation processes, enabling a malicious app to bypass sandbox restrictions and execute unauthorized actions on the host system. The flaw affects multiple recent macOS versions, including Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, and Ventura 13.7.7, and was addressed by Apple through additional validation checks in these updates. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's critical nature, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Although no active exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability's characteristics make it highly exploitable by attackers aiming for persistent and stealthy access. This vulnerability poses a significant threat to macOS users, especially in environments where sandboxing is a primary defense layer against malicious software.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43275 is substantial. Organizations relying on macOS devices for critical operations—including creative agencies, financial institutions, government bodies, and technology firms—face risks of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential disruption of services. The ability to break out of the sandbox means attackers could execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to installation of persistent malware, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within networks. This could compromise sensitive personal data protected under GDPR, leading to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value assets or supply chain compromises. The lack of required user interaction and privileges lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the likelihood of automated or remote attacks. Consequently, the threat could affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems across various sectors in Europe.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43275, European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, and Ventura 13.7.7 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unsigned apps, reducing the attack surface. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous process behaviors indicative of sandbox escape attempts. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. Regularly audit and monitor macOS devices for unusual privilege escalations or sandbox violations. Educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software and implement least privilege principles for user accounts. For organizations with high security requirements, consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Apple’s Endpoint Security framework to enhance monitoring and control. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored for macOS environments to quickly contain and remediate potential breaches.