CVE-2025-43308 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple's macOS operating system that allows an application to potentially access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient entitlement checks within the system, which are mechanisms macOS uses to restrict app capabilities and access to protected resources. Entitlements are a form of access control that define what an app is permitted to do or access on the system. Due to inadequate enforcement of these entitlement checks, a malicious or compromised app could bypass normal security boundaries and read sensitive user information that should otherwise be inaccessible. Apple addressed this issue by enhancing entitlement verification processes in macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8, and macOS Tahoe 26, which are the versions where the vulnerability is fixed. The affected versions prior to these releases are unspecified but presumably include earlier macOS versions before these patches. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability is significant because it undermines the fundamental security model of macOS, potentially exposing personal data such as passwords, private files, or other confidential information stored or accessible on the device. Since macOS is widely used in professional and personal environments, the risk extends to any user running vulnerable versions of the OS who installs untrusted or malicious applications.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk to data confidentiality and privacy, especially for sectors handling sensitive or regulated information such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government entities. Unauthorized access to sensitive user data could lead to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or exposure of personal identifiable information (PII), which in turn could result in regulatory penalties under GDPR and other data protection laws. The breach of confidentiality could also damage organizational reputation and trust. Since macOS is commonly used in creative industries, technology firms, and increasingly in enterprise environments across Europe, the vulnerability could facilitate targeted attacks or insider threats where malicious apps are introduced into the environment. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits after public disclosure. The vulnerability also complicates endpoint security strategies, requiring organizations to ensure timely patching and application vetting to prevent exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading all macOS devices to the fixed versions: macOS Sequoia 15.7, Sonoma 14.8, or Tahoe 26. This ensures the enhanced entitlement checks are in place. Additionally, organizations should implement strict application control policies, such as using Apple’s notarization and Gatekeeper features to restrict installation of untrusted or unsigned applications. Endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual app behavior indicative of privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. Regular audits of installed applications and their entitlements can help detect potentially risky software. User education is critical to prevent installation of unknown apps. For organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, enforcing minimum OS version requirements and restricting access to sensitive systems from unpatched devices is advisable. Finally, monitoring for anomalous data access patterns and integrating macOS security logs into centralized SIEM systems can improve detection of exploitation attempts.