CVE-2025-43311 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS operating systems, specifically versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8, and macOS Tahoe 26. The vulnerability arises from insufficient entitlement checks that allow an application to access protected user data without proper authorization. Entitlements in macOS are security mechanisms that restrict app capabilities and access to sensitive resources. The flaw corresponds to CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the system fails to enforce proper authorization before granting access to protected data. Exploitation does not require user interaction or privileges and can be performed locally (AV:L - Attack Vector: Local), with low attack complexity (AC:L). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity by allowing unauthorized data access and potential modification. However, availability is not affected. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and Apple has addressed the issue by implementing additional entitlement checks in the mentioned macOS versions. The vulnerability’s CVSS v3.1 score is 5.1, reflecting a medium severity level.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality and integrity of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations relying on Apple hardware and software for critical operations, especially those handling personal data under GDPR, could face data breaches or unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious local users or malware that gains local access, potentially leading to leakage of confidential information such as credentials, personal files, or corporate data. Although exploitation requires local access, the risk is significant in environments where endpoint security is weak or where insider threats exist. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for automated or stealthy attacks once local access is obtained. This could impact sectors with high data sensitivity such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government institutions across Europe. Additionally, the integrity impact means attackers could manipulate user data, potentially undermining trust and data accuracy.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to the patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8, or macOS Tahoe 26. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict endpoint security controls to limit local access to trusted users only. Implementing strong user authentication, least privilege principles, and device encryption can reduce the risk of exploitation. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual local access patterns or unauthorized app behaviors. Application whitelisting can prevent untrusted or unsigned apps from running, mitigating the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Regular audits of installed applications and entitlement configurations can help identify potential risks. For organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, securing remote access channels and ensuring devices are updated before connecting to corporate networks is critical. Finally, user awareness training about the risks of installing untrusted software can reduce the likelihood of local compromise.