CVE-2025-43319 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access protected user data improperly due to insufficient access control, classified under CWE-284. The vulnerability does not require privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), and the attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the system. The vulnerability affects confidentiality (C:H) but does not impact integrity or availability. Apple addressed this issue by removing the vulnerable code in macOS Sonoma 14.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in September 2025, with no known exploits in the wild to date. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating medium severity. The flaw could allow malicious or compromised applications to bypass intended access restrictions and read sensitive user data, potentially leading to privacy breaches or data leakage. Since exploitation requires user interaction, social engineering or tricking users into launching a malicious app is necessary. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where users install third-party or untrusted applications. The lack of a patch link suggests users must rely on official macOS updates to remediate the issue.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS systems. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which handle personal or confidential information, could face data leakage if attackers exploit this flaw. Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat is more significant in environments with less controlled endpoint security or where users may install unverified applications. The vulnerability could facilitate insider threats or targeted attacks where attackers gain physical or remote access to macOS devices. Data breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR due to unauthorized access to personal data. Additionally, reputational damage and operational disruptions could occur if sensitive information is exposed. However, the lack of known exploits and the requirement for user interaction somewhat limit the immediate risk, making timely patching and user awareness critical.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Employ endpoint protection solutions that monitor and restrict application behavior, especially for apps requesting access to sensitive data. Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of installing unknown applications and recognizing social engineering attempts that could trigger exploitation. Utilize macOS built-in security features such as Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) to limit unauthorized code execution. Regularly audit and monitor macOS endpoints for unusual access patterns or data exfiltration attempts. For organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, enforce VPN and secure access controls to minimize local attack vectors. Finally, maintain an inventory of macOS devices and ensure timely deployment of security updates.