CVE-2025-43325 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that stems from insufficient sandbox restrictions, allowing an application to access sensitive user data improperly. The sandbox is a security mechanism designed to isolate applications and restrict their access to system resources and user data. In this case, the sandbox restrictions were inadequate, permitting an app to bypass intended access controls and read sensitive information. The vulnerability does not require the attacker to have privileges on the system but does require user interaction, such as running or installing a malicious app. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), no integrity impact (I:N), and no availability impact (A:N). This means the primary risk is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data without affecting system integrity or availability. The issue was addressed by Apple through enhanced sandbox restrictions and fixed in macOS Tahoe 26. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited active exploitation currently. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), highlighting the failure to enforce proper access restrictions on resources. Organizations using macOS devices, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data, should prioritize patching to mitigate potential data leakage risks.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43325 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data, which can lead to privacy breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, the risk is somewhat mitigated by user awareness and controls but remains significant in environments where users may install untrusted applications. Confidentiality is compromised, but integrity and availability remain unaffected. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use macOS devices and handle sensitive data, are particularly at risk. Data leakage could expose personal identifiable information (PII), intellectual property, or confidential business information. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits post-disclosure. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is serious, it is not critical, but timely patching is essential to prevent exploitation.

1. Upgrade all macOS devices to macOS Tahoe 26 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, limiting installations to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved software. 3. Implement endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious application behavior and sandbox escape attempts. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of following security policies. 5. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to enforce security configurations and restrict app permissions. 6. Regularly audit and monitor macOS systems for unusual access patterns or data exfiltration attempts. 7. Apply the principle of least privilege to user accounts and applications to minimize potential damage from exploitation. 8. Stay informed about updates from Apple and apply security patches promptly. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlled app deployment, user education, and proactive monitoring tailored to macOS environments.