CVE-2025-43381 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS related to improper handling of symbolic links (symlinks), classified under CWE-59. A malicious application with low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N) can exploit this flaw to delete protected user data, impacting data integrity (I:H) without affecting confidentiality or availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the system. The vulnerability arises because the system incorrectly resolves symlinks, allowing an attacker to redirect file operations to protected files or directories, leading to unauthorized deletion. This issue was addressed in macOS Tahoe 26.1 by improving symlink handling to prevent such unauthorized deletions. The CVSS score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity, balancing the limited attack vector and privileges required against the high impact on data integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for data loss makes this a significant concern for users and organizations relying on macOS. Since the affected versions are unspecified, it is prudent to assume that all versions prior to the patch release are vulnerable. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, increasing the risk if a malicious app is installed or executed.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43381 is the potential loss or corruption of protected user data on macOS systems. This can disrupt business operations, especially in sectors relying heavily on Apple hardware such as creative industries, software development, and certain government agencies. Data integrity compromise could lead to loss of critical files, affecting productivity and possibly leading to regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is involved. Although the vulnerability does not affect availability or confidentiality directly, the deletion of protected data can cause operational downtime and recovery costs. Organizations with distributed workforces using macOS devices are particularly at risk if patch management is not uniformly enforced. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits targeting this vulnerability. The medium severity rating suggests that while the threat is not critical, it requires timely attention to prevent exploitation.

The primary mitigation is to update all macOS devices to version Tahoe 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed by improved symlink handling. Organizations should enforce strict patch management policies to ensure timely deployment of this update across all endpoints. Additionally, restrict the installation of applications to trusted sources only, such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved software repositories, to reduce the risk of malicious apps gaining local access. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious file system activities, including unauthorized symlink manipulations. Regularly audit user permissions and limit local privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the attack surface. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and monitor macOS systems for unusual file deletion activities. Finally, maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate the impact of any data loss resulting from exploitation.