CVE-2025-43288 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to bypass the operating system's Privacy preferences. The core issue stems from insufficient validation of symbolic links (symlinks), which are filesystem objects that point to other files or directories. By exploiting this weakness, a malicious app can potentially redirect access controls and circumvent privacy restrictions designed to protect sensitive user data and system resources. This vulnerability was addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.7 through enhanced symlink validation mechanisms, which prevent unauthorized redirection and access. The exact affected macOS versions prior to 15.7 are unspecified, but any system not updated to this version or later remains vulnerable. No public exploits have been reported yet, indicating that active exploitation is not currently observed. However, the vulnerability's nature suggests that an attacker with the ability to run an app on the target system could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to data protected by privacy settings, such as contacts, calendars, photos, or microphone and camera access. The vulnerability does not appear to require user interaction beyond app execution, increasing the risk if malicious software is installed. This issue highlights the importance of robust filesystem object validation in enforcing privacy controls within modern operating systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data stored or accessed on macOS devices. Organizations handling personal data, intellectual property, or confidential communications on Apple hardware could face unauthorized data exposure if exploited. Privacy bypass could lead to leakage of personal identifiable information (PII), corporate secrets, or sensitive communications, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The integrity and availability of systems are less likely to be directly impacted, but the breach of privacy controls undermines trust and compliance posture. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, legal, and technology, which often use macOS devices, could be particularly affected. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are public. The potential for stealthy data exfiltration or surveillance makes this vulnerability critical to address promptly.

European organizations should immediately verify the macOS versions deployed across their endpoints and prioritize upgrading all devices to macOS Sequoia 15.7 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation or execution of unauthorized or untrusted applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual filesystem access patterns or symlink manipulations. Regularly audit privacy preference settings and monitor for unexpected changes or access attempts. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and enforce least privilege principles to limit app permissions. Network segmentation and data loss prevention (DLP) tools can help contain potential data exfiltration. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly respond if exploitation is suspected.