CVE-2025-43348 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS Gatekeeper, a security mechanism that validates applications before execution to prevent untrusted software from running. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation logic, allowing an app to bypass Gatekeeper checks. This means that malicious or unsigned applications could be executed without triggering Gatekeeper's protective warnings or blocks. The issue affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.2. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), indicating that the system fails to correctly validate inputs related to app verification. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The impact is high on integrity (I:H) but none on confidentiality or availability. This means an attacker with local access and the ability to convince a user to interact with a malicious app could execute unauthorized code, potentially compromising system integrity. No public exploits are known at this time, but the vulnerability poses a risk especially in environments where macOS devices are used and users may install third-party applications. The fix involves improved validation logic in Gatekeeper, which Apple has addressed in the specified macOS updates.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized code execution on macOS endpoints, potentially leading to system compromise or persistence of malicious software. Although it requires local access and user interaction, attackers could leverage social engineering or insider threats to exploit it. The integrity of systems could be undermined, affecting trust in software execution and potentially enabling further attacks such as lateral movement or data manipulation. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations, especially in sectors like finance, technology, and government, could face operational disruptions or data integrity issues. The absence of confidentiality and availability impacts limits direct data leakage or denial of service, but the integrity compromise remains significant. The medium severity suggests a moderate risk, but the widespread use of macOS in certain European markets elevates the importance of timely patching and mitigation.

European organizations should immediately verify the macOS versions deployed and prioritize updating to macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, or Sonoma 14.8.2 where applicable. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application installation policies, restricting software installation to trusted sources such as the Mac App Store or verified developers. User education campaigns should emphasize the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of Gatekeeper warnings. Endpoint protection solutions with macOS support should be configured to monitor and block suspicious application behaviors. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and leveraging Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions can help enforce compliance with security policies. Regular audits of installed software and Gatekeeper logs can detect potential bypass attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain incident response readiness to quickly address any exploitation attempts.