CVE-2025-43308 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access sensitive user data without proper entitlement verification. The root cause lies in insufficient entitlement checks, classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). This flaw enables an app running with limited privileges (low privilege requirement) to bypass intended access restrictions and read sensitive information, potentially compromising user confidentiality. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability and does not require user interaction to be exploited, but it does require local access with some privileges (AV:L, PR:L, UI:N). Apple addressed this issue by enhancing entitlement checks in macOS Sonoma 14.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting a low severity due to limited impact scope and exploitation complexity. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The affected macOS versions are unspecified but are versions prior to the patched releases. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where untrusted or third-party applications may be installed or executed, as it could lead to unauthorized data exposure.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43308 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS systems. This could include personal information, credentials stored in user profiles, or other confidential data accessible by applications. Although the vulnerability does not compromise system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Organizations with macOS endpoints, especially those in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, and government, may face increased risk if unpatched systems allow malicious or compromised applications to exploit this flaw. The low severity and requirement for local access reduce the likelihood of widespread exploitation, but insider threats or targeted attacks remain concerns. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk but does not eliminate future exploitation possibilities.

European organizations should prioritize updating macOS endpoints to Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 to apply the entitlement check enhancements that fix this vulnerability. Implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the attack surface. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious local application behaviors that attempt unauthorized data access. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and user privileges to minimize the presence of potentially exploitable software. Educate users about the risks of installing unknown applications and enforce least privilege principles to limit local access capabilities. Additionally, organizations should monitor Apple security advisories for any updates or emerging exploit reports related to this CVE. Network segmentation and data encryption can further protect sensitive data even if local access is compromised.