CVE-2025-43281: Apple macOS · A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High · fixed in 15.6 : patch Apple macOS soon.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 3% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 15.6
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 15 Oct 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 2026-10-25.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Apple macOS | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
1. Immediately update all macOS systems to macOS Sequoia 15.6 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Restrict local access to macOS systems by enforcing strict physical security and limiting user accounts with local login privileges. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual privilege escalation behaviors. 4. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure the principle of least privilege is enforced. 5. Employ multi-factor authentication for local logins where possible to add an additional layer of security. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local access and the importance of timely patching. 7.
Description
The issue was addressed with improved authentication. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6. A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges.