CVE-2025-43381: Apple macOS · Link Following
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 5.5 Medium · fixed in 26.1 : update Apple macOS when convenient.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 17:16 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 9% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 26.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:NExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 12 Dec 2025
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Apple macOS | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
- Immediately update all macOS systems to macOS Tahoe 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed.
- Restrict installation of untrusted or unsigned applications to minimize the risk of malicious apps gaining local access.
- Employ endpoint protection solutions that monitor and restrict unauthorized file system modifications, including symlink manipulations.
- Implement strict user privilege management to limit the ability of applications to perform file deletions, especially in protected directories.
- Regularly back up critical user data to secure, isolated storage to enable recovery in case of data deletion.
- Monitor system logs for suspicious file system activities indicative of symlink exploitation attempts.
- Educate users about the risks of running untrusted software and the importance of applying security updates promptly. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on symlink-specific protections and operational controls tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.
Description
This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.1. A malicious app may be able to delete protected user data.