CVE-2025-43394 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS related to improper handling of symbolic links (CWE-59). Specifically, the flaw allows an application to bypass intended access controls and access protected user data by exploiting symlink resolution mechanisms. This issue arises because the system does not adequately validate or handle symlinks, enabling an app to redirect file operations to sensitive files or directories that should be inaccessible. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2, where Apple has implemented improved symlink handling to mitigate this risk. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector, the attack requires local access (Attack Vector: Local), has low attack complexity (AC:L), does not require privileges (PR:N), but requires user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This means an attacker can potentially read sensitive user data but cannot modify or disrupt system operations. No known exploits are reported in the wild, indicating this is a preemptive patch. The vulnerability is significant because it undermines macOS’s security model that protects user data from unauthorized local applications, potentially enabling data leakage or privacy violations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations with employees or systems running vulnerable macOS versions may face unauthorized data exposure if a malicious or compromised app is executed locally. This could lead to leakage of personal information, intellectual property, or other confidential data. The impact is particularly relevant for sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat vector often involves social engineering or insider threats. The lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the scope to data confidentiality breaches rather than system disruption. However, given the widespread use of macOS in certain European countries and industries, the potential for targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability exists. Failure to patch could also increase compliance risks under GDPR due to unauthorized data access.

European organizations should immediately apply the security updates provided by Apple for macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2 or later versions to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit the installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications that could exploit symlink handling flaws. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local file system activities, especially those involving symlink creation or manipulation. User education is critical to reduce the risk of social engineering that could lead to execution of malicious apps requiring user interaction. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for user accounts and restricting local administrative rights can reduce the attack surface. Regularly auditing macOS devices for compliance with security baselines and ensuring timely patch management will further mitigate risks. Network segmentation and data encryption can also help limit the impact of any potential data exposure.