CVE-2025-43322 is a logic flaw vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems, specifically addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2. The root cause is an improper access control mechanism (CWE-284) that allows an application to bypass intended security checks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability does not require privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as running or installing a malicious or compromised app. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity due to the high confidentiality impact (C:H) but no impact on integrity or availability. This vulnerability could be exploited to leak sensitive personal or corporate data stored or accessible on the device, potentially leading to privacy violations or information disclosure. Apple has addressed the issue by improving the logic checks that govern access to sensitive data, and users are urged to update to the patched versions. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality, as unauthorized apps could access sensitive user data, including corporate information stored on employee macOS devices. This could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and reputational damage. The local attack vector and requirement for user interaction limit remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering attacks could facilitate exploitation. Organizations with a significant macOS user base, especially in sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, and government, are at increased risk. The breach of sensitive data could also impact cross-border data flows and contractual obligations under European data protection laws.

1. Immediately apply the security updates released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2 to all affected devices. 2. Conduct an audit of installed applications and remove or restrict apps that are not from trusted sources. 3. Implement strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that monitor app behavior for unauthorized data access attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of verifying app sources to reduce the risk of social engineering. 5. Use macOS built-in privacy and security controls to limit app permissions to sensitive data. 6. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual access patterns to sensitive data on macOS endpoints. 7. For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce minimum OS version requirements and patch management policies.