CVE-2025-43292 is a race condition vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed by improved state handling in the patched versions macOS Tahoe 26 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.2. A race condition (CWE-362) occurs when the timing of events leads to unexpected behavior, in this case allowing an application to access sensitive user data improperly. The vulnerability does not require privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), indicating that a user must perform some action, such as launching or interacting with a malicious app, for exploitation to succeed. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). The CVSS score of 5.5 (medium severity) reflects these factors. No specific affected macOS versions were detailed, but the issue is resolved in the latest releases mentioned. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, suggesting limited immediate threat but potential risk if exploited. The vulnerability could allow unauthorized apps to read sensitive user data, potentially including personal files, credentials, or other private information, depending on the app’s access scope and user data stored on the device. This flaw stems from improper synchronization or state management in the OS, allowing a timing window for data exposure. Organizations relying on macOS devices should consider this a moderate risk, especially in environments where users may install untrusted applications or where sensitive data is stored locally.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive data leakage from macOS endpoints. Confidentiality breaches could lead to exposure of personal data, intellectual property, or credentials, potentially facilitating further attacks such as identity theft or lateral movement. While the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the compromise of sensitive information can have regulatory and reputational consequences, especially under GDPR requirements. Organizations with macOS-heavy environments, such as creative industries, software development firms, and financial institutions, may be particularly impacted. The need for user interaction means social engineering or phishing could be used to trigger exploitation. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time. The medium severity indicates a moderate level of urgency for patching and mitigation to prevent potential data breaches.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to the patched versions macOS Tahoe 26 or macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 to eliminate the race condition vulnerability. 2. Implement strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. 3. Educate users about the risks of interacting with unknown or suspicious applications to minimize the likelihood of user interaction required for exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual app behavior or unauthorized access to sensitive data. 5. Regularly audit and restrict app permissions, ensuring apps only have access to necessary data and system resources. 6. Maintain robust backup and data encryption practices to protect sensitive information even if accessed. 7. Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for updates on exploit developments or additional mitigations.