CVE-2025-43351 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS related to a permissions issue that could allow an application to bypass existing restrictions and access protected user data. The root cause is insufficient enforcement of permission boundaries within the operating system, which could be exploited by malicious or compromised applications to read sensitive user information without explicit user consent or proper authorization. Apple has addressed this vulnerability in the macOS Tahoe 26.1 release by introducing additional restrictions on app permissions to prevent unauthorized data access. The specific affected macOS versions prior to Tahoe 26.1 are not detailed, but systems running earlier versions remain vulnerable. There are no known exploits reported in the wild at this time, indicating that active exploitation has not yet been observed. However, the potential for abuse exists, especially in environments where untrusted or third-party applications are installed. This vulnerability primarily impacts the confidentiality of user data, as unauthorized access could lead to data leakage or privacy violations. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on the nature of the vulnerability, which suggests a high severity due to the direct access to protected data without requiring user interaction or authentication. Organizations relying on macOS devices should prioritize updating to the fixed version and review their application permission policies to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43351 could be significant, particularly for those handling sensitive or regulated data on macOS devices. Unauthorized access to protected user data can lead to data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and potential non-compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Enterprises and government agencies using macOS in their IT infrastructure may face risks of insider threats or supply chain attacks if malicious applications exploit this vulnerability. The breach of user data could result in reputational damage, financial penalties, and operational disruptions. Since macOS is commonly used in sectors like creative industries, finance, and public administration in Europe, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of critical business functions. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are widely known. Therefore, proactive mitigation is essential to prevent potential exploitation and safeguard sensitive information.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43351, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately update all macOS devices to version Tahoe 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2) Conduct an audit of installed applications to identify and remove any untrusted or unnecessary software that could exploit permission weaknesses. 3) Enforce strict application whitelisting and use Apple’s built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and App Sandbox to limit app capabilities. 4) Regularly review and tighten app permission settings, especially for apps requesting access to sensitive user data. 5) Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual app behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and encourage adherence to organizational security policies. 7) Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability. These targeted actions go beyond generic patching and help reduce the attack surface and improve detection capabilities.