CVE-2025-43358 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related operating systems where a shortcut can bypass sandbox restrictions due to a permissions issue. Sandboxing is a security mechanism designed to isolate applications and limit their access to system resources, thereby preventing malicious code from affecting the broader system. This vulnerability allows a shortcut—a user-created or system-provided automation script—to circumvent these sandbox restrictions, potentially granting it unauthorized access to sensitive system resources or data. The issue was addressed by Apple through additional sandbox restrictions; however, the flaw remains exploitable in affected versions prior to macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, iOS 18.7, and iPadOS 18.7. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects a high severity, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), scope change (S:C), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker with limited local access can exploit the vulnerability without user interaction to escalate privileges and potentially take full control of the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the system fails to properly enforce access control policies. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential impact is significant, especially in environments where local access can be obtained by attackers or malicious insiders. The lack of patch links suggests that users should monitor official Apple security updates closely and apply patches as soon as they become available to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly in sectors where Apple devices are prevalent such as creative industries, education, finance, and government agencies. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or system disruption, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information systems. The ability to bypass sandbox restrictions undermines a fundamental security control, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with escalated privileges. This could facilitate lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or deployment of ransomware and other malware. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using Apple devices may face increased exposure if endpoint security controls are insufficient. Additionally, critical infrastructure entities relying on macOS or iOS devices for operational technology or administrative tasks could experience operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score and scope change indicate that the threat could rapidly escalate if weaponized. Compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR may also be impacted if sensitive personal data is compromised due to this vulnerability.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, prioritize deploying the official Apple security updates for macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, iOS 18.7, and iPadOS 18.7 as soon as they are released. Until patches are applied, restrict local access to Apple devices by enforcing strong physical security controls and limiting user privileges to the minimum necessary. Disable or tightly control the use of shortcuts, especially those created by untrusted users or sources, through device management policies or configuration profiles. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual shortcut execution or sandbox escape behaviors. Conduct user awareness training to highlight risks associated with shortcuts and local device access. Regularly audit and review device configurations and installed shortcuts to identify potentially malicious or unauthorized automation scripts. For organizations using Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, leverage mobile device management (MDM) capabilities to enforce security policies and restrict shortcut creation or execution. Finally, maintain robust network segmentation to limit the impact of any compromised device and ensure timely incident response capabilities are in place to detect and contain exploitation attempts.