CVE-2025-43358 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and related operating systems including iOS and iPadOS. The core issue is a permissions flaw that allows a shortcut—a type of automated script or workflow in Apple environments—to bypass sandbox restrictions designed to isolate applications and limit their access to system resources. Sandboxing is a critical security control that prevents applications from performing unauthorized actions or accessing sensitive data. This vulnerability effectively undermines that control, enabling an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low complexity) to escalate their permissions and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated rights. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.7, Sonoma 14.8, Tahoe 26, and corresponding iOS and iPadOS versions. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction required, but some privileges needed. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the system failed to properly enforce access control policies. While no active exploits have been reported, the potential for misuse in targeted attacks or malware campaigns is significant. This flaw could be leveraged to bypass sandbox protections, allowing malicious shortcuts to access or modify sensitive data, install persistent malware, or disrupt system operations. The vulnerability’s scope includes all affected Apple devices running vulnerable OS versions, which are widely used in enterprise and consumer environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, particularly for sectors relying heavily on Apple devices such as finance, healthcare, government, and creative industries. The ability to bypass sandbox restrictions can lead to unauthorized data access, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Confidentiality is at high risk as attackers could access sensitive information protected by sandboxing. Integrity and availability are also threatened since attackers could modify system files or disrupt services. The requirement for local privileges means that initial access vectors could include phishing, insider threats, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The widespread use of Apple devices in Europe, especially in business environments, increases the potential attack surface. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or remote workforces using macOS or iOS devices are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive patching and mitigation before active exploitation begins.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.7, Sonoma 14.8, Tahoe 26, iOS 18.7, iPadOS 18.7, and their subsequent versions. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict controls on the use of shortcuts, including disabling or restricting shortcut execution where possible, especially for users with elevated privileges. Implement application control policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts or workflows. Conduct thorough audits of existing shortcuts to identify and remove potentially risky or unverified ones. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual shortcut activity or sandbox escape attempts. Educate users about the risks associated with executing untrusted shortcuts and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the likelihood of privilege escalation. Network segmentation and monitoring can help contain potential breaches resulting from exploitation. Finally, maintain up-to-date inventories of Apple devices and ensure compliance with patch management policies to reduce exposure.