CVE-2025-43321 is a vulnerability affecting Apple macOS on Intel-based systems, where an application can access protected user data by leveraging the capability to launch unsigned services. The root cause lies in insufficient access control (CWE-284), allowing unsigned services to execute and bypass normal security restrictions. This flaw enables an attacker with local access and requiring user interaction to gain unauthorized read access to sensitive user information without needing elevated privileges. The vulnerability does not impact data integrity or system availability but poses a significant confidentiality risk. Apple addressed this issue by implementing a block on unsigned services launching on Intel Macs, with fixes introduced in macOS Sonoma 14.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the attack vector as local, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and high confidentiality impact. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, but the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or by malicious insiders. Organizations should verify their macOS versions and ensure timely updates to the patched releases to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of sensitive user data on Intel-based Macs. If exploited, unauthorized applications could access protected information, potentially leading to data leaks involving personal, corporate, or regulated data. This could result in compliance violations under GDPR and damage to organizational reputation. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is higher in environments where endpoint security is lax or where users might be tricked into running malicious apps. The lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the scope to data exposure rather than system disruption. However, given the widespread use of Apple devices in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government across Europe, the potential for sensitive data compromise is significant. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using Intel Macs should be particularly vigilant.

European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately verify macOS versions on all Intel-based Macs and upgrade to at least macOS Sonoma 14.8 or macOS Sequoia 15.7 where applicable. 2) Enforce strict application whitelisting and restrict installation of unsigned or untrusted applications to prevent malicious apps from launching unsigned services. 3) Educate users about the risks of running unverified software and the importance of avoiding suspicious prompts that require interaction. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual service launches or privilege escalations. 5) Regularly audit local user permissions and remove unnecessary local access rights to reduce the attack surface. 6) Integrate macOS security updates into organizational patch management workflows to ensure timely deployment. 7) Consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling unsigned service execution and user behavior.