CVE-2025-43379 is a security vulnerability discovered in Apple’s macOS and other related operating systems, including visionOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The root cause of the vulnerability lies in insufficient validation of symbolic links (symlinks) by the operating system. Symlinks are filesystem objects that point to other files or directories, and improper validation can allow an application to traverse these links to access files it should not have permission to read. In this case, a malicious or compromised app could exploit this flaw to bypass macOS’s sandboxing and file access controls, thereby gaining unauthorized access to protected user data. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases: visionOS 26.1, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, watchOS 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1. Apple fixed the issue by enhancing the validation logic for symlinks to ensure that apps cannot escape their intended file access boundaries. There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild, but the vulnerability’s nature implies a significant risk if weaponized. The vulnerability does not require user interaction once a malicious app is installed, but it does require the app to be present on the device, which may involve social engineering or supply chain compromise. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, but the vulnerability impacts confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive user data. The integrity and availability of the system are less directly affected. The scope includes all affected Apple devices running vulnerable OS versions, which are widely used in both consumer and enterprise environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43379 can be substantial, particularly for those relying heavily on Apple hardware and software ecosystems. Unauthorized access to protected user data could lead to data breaches involving personal information, intellectual property, or confidential business data. This could result in regulatory penalties under GDPR, reputational damage, and financial losses. Enterprises with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those that deploy macOS and iOS devices for critical business functions are at elevated risk. The vulnerability could be exploited to bypass endpoint security controls, potentially facilitating further lateral movement or espionage activities. Since the vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms, organizations with diverse Apple device fleets must ensure comprehensive patch management. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the attractiveness of Apple devices as targets. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, with potential indirect effects on integrity if sensitive data is manipulated after unauthorized access.

The primary mitigation is to promptly apply the security updates released by Apple for all affected operating systems: visionOS 26.1, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, watchOS 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1. Organizations should enforce strict patch management policies to ensure all Apple devices are updated without delay. Additionally, implement application whitelisting and restrict installation of untrusted or unsigned apps to reduce the risk of malicious apps being installed. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control device configurations and app permissions. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and review access permissions to sensitive data. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of timely updates. Network segmentation and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help detect anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain robust backup and incident response plans to quickly recover from any potential data compromise.